serving the faith communities of the Goulburn Valley
Much has happened around the world in recent weeks. Paris, Lebanon, Punjab, Africa. The media is filled with news that is not peaceful. In response, Shepparton Interfaith Network, in collaboration with community stakeholders, is collaborating to provide a Picnic for Peace at Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton on Sunday 29 November from 5PM.
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Congo Week will be celebrated in Shepparton for the first time, next week. A week-long series of events at St Paul's Lutheran Church and African House includes documentary films, information sessions, discussions, music and prayers. All events are FREE and held at St Paul's African House at 54 Poplar Avenue, Shepparton.
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The Shepparton Afghani Community has had a long term vision of constructing their own mosque and have raised in excess of $1 million. They engaged a builder to develop the project which commenced in mid-2013 - the mosque is almost complete - and is already being used.
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The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) has issued the following statement in response to the Syrian and Iraqi Humanitarian Crisis:
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BAZm e Hazaragi features the new documentary by Steve Warne, Robyn Hughan and photojournalist Barat Ali Batoor that captures the workshops and first Omagh Celebrations in Australia supported by MAV in 2014. It shines light on Melbourne’s Hazara community and will be screened alongside live music by acclaimed Hazara musician Taqi Khan, poetry performances and a panel discussion with community members and filmmakers.
Following on with the success of "A Common Word between Us and You" is A Common Word Among Youth. This is a program fostered by the Right Start Foundation International which offers placements for youth between 18 - 35 to participate in training for initiating change and translating international issues into local community activities.
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A community vigil with walk around Victoria Park Lake will take place at 9:00pm on Friday, 19 December. The walk is organised by Al Kasem Youth Organisation, in partnership with City of Greater Shepparton, Word and Mouth, Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, and Victoria Police Multicultural Liaison.
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The official opening of Shepparton’s new St Paul’s African House took place on Thursday, 30 October at Poplar Ave, Shepparton. A large crowd of Shepparton's African community joined Jeanette Powell MP, Member for Shepparton and other dinitaries for the opening.
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Report Racism aims to create an environment where you can feel confident and safe to report any cases of racism you experience or witness (including racial discrimination and vilification).
Report Racism is a third party reporting initiative which means that people can report racism online or at a local community organisation as well as directly to Victoria Police or the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Report Racism is trialling this initiative with the Aboriginal community. The Commission has partnered with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Victoria Police. Report Racism is being trialled in two locations – Northern Melbourne (City of Yarra, Darebin and Whittlesea) and Shepparton.
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Approx. 260 persons attended the Bendgio EID Dinner which was a most wonderful opportunity with members of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities along with locals from Bendigo and guests from Melbourne coming together. There were a total of 15 guest speakers representing different groups and communities demonstrating that Bendigo is a “prosperous multicultural community of people living together in peace and freedom”.
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Two new worship and community centres are presently under construction and nearing completion in Shepparton. The Afghani Community are constructing a new mosque in Shepparton which will also serve as a Community Centre.
Shepparton Interfaith Network urges all Australians to celebrate the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week.
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Bendigo residents are invited to learn more about the work of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse at a community information forum on Wednesday 23 July.
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The SADAAT Foundation will conduct a Community Iftaar (Traditional Breaking of Fast) in the Sacred month of Ramadan on Saturday, 19 July at 4:30pm.
Members of the Shepparton Interfaith Network attended the 2014 Anzac Day ceremonies in Shepparton. Attendance at Shepparton’s Anzac Day dawn service has dramatically increased in recent years.
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Many community groups in Greater Shepparton have come together to examine the proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination Act, and to respond to these changes.
Faith Groups and officers of the Shepparton Interfaith Network have repeatedly participated in anti-racism enquires and reports and support all measures to facilitate harmonious relations and a lived cultural diversity, side by side in Greater Shepparton, be it in orchards, in the cannery, be it on the farms, in the industries, in our retail shopping areas. Greater Shepparton has a strong track record in promoting cultural diversity and harmony.
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The Bendigo Bank is standing by its decision to close the account of a protest group which is fighting plans to build a mosque in the Victorian city of Bendigo.
The Bendigo Bank last week informed the Stop the Mosque group that it was closing the group's account, saying the bank only wants to do business with organisations that share its values.
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| Out-of-hours services | |
|---|---|
Safe Steps1800 015 188 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
| Victims of Crime Helpline1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm, 7 days a week)
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Child Protection13 12 78 (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays)
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line1800 806 292 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Men’s Referral Service1300 766 491 (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday)
| Kids Helpline1800 55 1800 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Rainbow Door1800 729 367 or text 0480 017 246 (10am to 5pm, 7 days a week)
| MensLine Australia1300 78 99 78 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Primary Care Connect offers programs in the following areas:
BeyondHousing is committed to addressing housing affordability, tackling homelessness and fostering housing stability. We are known for our progressive and compassionate approach to working with people experiencing homelessness and housing disadvantage.
We are the largest community housing organisation within the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions of Victoria. We own or manage over 700 properties including long term community housing and transitional housing.
We are the main entry point for the homelessness system and provide a range of supports for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Each year we see over 5,500 people in need of assistance to secure or maintain their housing.
We have over 50 skilled staff supporting offices in Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton and Seymour. We also provide outreach to Wallan, Broadford, Kilmore, Alexandra, Yea, Myrtleford, Yarrawonga, Cobram and Benalla.
BeyondHousing is a registered Housing Association in Victoria and we have achieved accreditation for Human Services Standards.
Visit the BeyondHousing website
The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District offers the following services:
Ethnic Council staff assist members and community organizations to make application for grants funding, to become incorporated associations, organize events and generally provide support in a diverse range of activity.
The Ethnic Council has funding from the Department of Planning and Community Development to support, extend and sustain community activity in CALD communities to better share information and resources and to strengthen community connections and partnerships.
Future Voices provides life-skills training to young people from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds so they can succeed in education, reach their full potential and contribute to the community. Future Voices: Facebook
Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault provides a 24/7 crisis care response to anyone who has experienced sexual assault at any point in their lives.
Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault provides confidential, telephone or face to face crisis care for people who have experienced past and/or recent sexual assault.
A state-wide 24/7 telephone crisis line is available by calling Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault, and for recent sexual assault an immediate face to face response with a crisis care worker is available 24/7.
The Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault crisis care worker meets with recent victim/survivor at GV Health or the Police station. The crisis care worker will provide support and advocacy; and information on legal and medical rights and options. Access to immediate support, advocacy and accurate information is crucial for the victim/survivor’s longer term healing.
Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault:
Tel 03 5831 2343
Fax 03 5831 1996
Sexual Assault Crisis Line – Toll free 1800 112 343 – 24 hour
or Free Call 1800 806 292
email: support@gvcasa.com.au
Website
A new provider is now delivering aged care services in Greater Shepparton.
From July 2022 the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is now referred to as In-Home Support.
Greater Shepparton City Council ceased providing Commonwealth Home Support Program services in July 2022.
The Australian Government has appointed two new providers, Calvary Community Care and Community Accessibility, to deliver aged care services previously delivered by Greater Shepparton City Council.
The new service providers commenced delivering the following aged services from July 2022:
Community Accessibility are now the provider for delivered meals, while Calvary Community Care provides for home modifications, access and support at home and social connection programs.
Clients and families have been supported by Council staff, Community Accessibility and Calvary Community care to make the transition to receiving services from the new providers.
For further information on In-Home Services please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
MHA Care provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated system of community care services for frail, aged,
people with a disability and their carers across the Moira Shire.
Through this commitment MHA Care now delivers the following programs. These are -
MHA Care receives funding from the Moira Shire Council, State and Commonwealth Governments to provide subsidised services to eligible customers under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People.
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The Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission role is to protect and promote human rights in Victoria. The Commission does this through a range of functions and services under Victoria’s human rights laws. From preventing discrimination and harassment from occurring to dealing with it if it does, we help people understand Victoria’s anti-discrimination laws and the impact of discrimination and sexual harassment. We also undertake independent reviews, investigations and advocacy activities to address systemic issues and promote human rights.
Read more about the Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
The aims of Social Security Rights Victoria are:-
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The Victorian Multicultural Commission provides support and advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians.
As the main link between communities and government, the Victorian Multicultural Commission engages with multicultural and multifaith groups to understand the issues they face. We then work together to identify and recommend potential solutions to government, policymakers and community organisations to make public services more inclusive and accessible. Visit the Victorian Multicultural Commission
Rumbalara provides Culturally appropriate care and support today for:~
Children and Young People
The Australian Human Rights Commission promotes and protects the rights of all Australians. The commission achieves this by:
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The "Sikh Helpline Australia" is an initiative of RED KHANDA Inc - Sewa of Sikh community members who are helping others in the Sikh community.
CONTACT INFO Call 0401 401 040 info@sikhhelpline.com.au https://www.facebook.com/SikhHelplineAustralia/
Regardless of where you’re from, what you look like, what you believe or what language you speak, no one should have to endure racism in the place they call home. Thanks for your support to help combat racism in Victoria.
Azem Elmaz is a well known proprietor of Luftiye's Shish Kebab in Wyndham Street, Shepparton. He tells of his arrival in Australia, working as a cleaner and moving to Shepparton. His principal joy in life is helping others.
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