Coronavirus (COVID-19)

BRMC is committed to supporting the community and will take a responsible and informed approach to minimise the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). On this page we have gathered a range of translated resources and information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Information includes fact sheets and links to reliable sources.

It’s important to take care of yourself and those around you during these times. Stay home, stay safe and stay connected. We’re all in this together.

Quick Links Translated Resources Support and Advice BRMC Updates Premier Statements

Translated Resources

Fact Sheets

COVID-19 translated fact sheets from the Australian Government Department of Health.

Useful Links

For in-language information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit these links.

Victorian Department of Health & Human Services
www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translated-resources-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

Australian Government Department of Health
www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/translated-coronavirus-covid-19-resources

Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
covid19inlanguage.homeaffairs.gov.au

SBS
www.sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus
www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/coronavirus-explained-in-your-language

EthnoLink Language Services
www.ethnolink.com.au/covid-19-coronavirus-translated-resources

Victorian Multicultural Commission
www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Access to a translator for the coronavirus hotline

If you have a coronavirus disease question and need a translator:

Call 131 450 (TIS National)
Then request the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398

Keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.

Support and Advice

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Coronavirus is changing the way we live, work and communicate. Maintaining good mental health is important for our wellbeing during this time.
If you need to talk to someone, these services can help.

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au
eheadspace: 1800 650 893 or headspace.org.au/eheadspace
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health: embracementalhealth.org.au

Family and Domestic Violence

Whatever your situation, it is important to know that help and support is available. These services are available 24/7.

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 or www.1800respect.org.au
Safe Steps: 1800 015 188 or www.safesteps.org.au
InTouch (Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence): 1800 755 988 or intouch.org.au

If you are feeling unsafe or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000.

Have you experienced racism?

Racism is never ok and should never be tolerated. If you feel you have been discriminated against, victimised or vilified, you or someone on your behalf can make a complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

Visit: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/experienced-racism-heres-what-you-can-do

Updates and Information from BRMC

08/02/2021 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC February 2021 Program and Service Update

We have cleared the holiday cobwebs at the Ballarat Welcome Centre and flung open the doors for 2021. With a COVID-19 plan in place we are offering services while we…

21/01/2021 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC January 2021 Program and Service Update

Thrive Garden Project While many of us are on holidays, the Thrive Garden is working is working super hard. Green beans are appearing almost overnight, pumpkins are forming and the…

07/01/2021 in COVID-19, News

BRMC Podcast: Community Matters

After all that 2020 has brought to the world, we are sure there are many amazing stories out there that people are willing to share with our community. With this…

14/12/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC December 2020 Program and Service Update

Thrive Garden Project What a difference a month makes! The Thrive Garden beds have been enjoying the rain and warmth, herbs and vegetables exploding with growth. Despite being planted only…

19/11/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC November 2020 Program and Service Update

As you may be aware, the Ballarat Welcome Centre is being developed both as a new home for BRMC, and a safe and welcoming place for diverse community members to…

21/10/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC October 2020 Program and Service Update

As you may be aware, the Ballarat Welcome Centre is being developed both as a new home for BRMC, and a safe and welcoming place for diverse community members to…

15/09/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC September 2020 Program and Service Update

COVID-19 Fresh Food Drop-Off A big Thank you to our regular donors, BRMC team and Salvation Army volunteers who bring fresh vegetables and fruit every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to…

19/08/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC August 2020 Program and Service Update

Stepping Stones to Small Business The Stepping Stones graduates begin work with their Mentors. Introductory meetings between the mentorship partners have been held and we are using this quiet trading…

31/07/2020 in COVID-19, News

Mandatory Face Masks and New Restrictions in Victoria

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that from Sunday 2nd August, face coverings will be mandatory whenever you leave home - no matter where you are in Victoria. People who…

28/07/2020 in COVID-19, News

‘It is an opportunity to take off’: new space supports migrant women in small business

SUPPORT: Joy Juma, Jane Clarke and Mary Deng work to support A Tuk to create reusable face masks at the Ballarat Welcome Centre. Pictures: Kate Healy Article by The Courier…

21/07/2020 in COVID-19, News

Community Matters Podcast Series

BRMC podcast series 'Community Matters' is coming soon! Watch this space for our first interview with Dr Sundram Sivamalai by Community Matters host, Bobby Mehta. Episode 1: Health & Well-being…

20/07/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC July 2020 Program and Service Update

Stepping Stones to Small Business Stepping Stones Mentorships Our Stepping Stones introductory Mentor - Mentee meetings are currently being scheduled. Over the next few weeks each Stepping Stones graduate and…

16/06/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC June 2020 Program and Service Update

Stepping Stones to Small Business Stepping Stones Mentors Step Up BRMC welcomes the new band of lively Stepping Stones Volunteer Mentors from across the community who have recently completed their…

04/06/2020 in COVID-19, News

Boost in support for multicultural families at increased risk of isolation

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council Italian client Vincenzo Barbaro. Picture: Teresa Azzopardi Article by The Courier Multicultural families in Ballarat and the surrounding region are being supported throughout the coronavirus pandemic.…

11/05/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC May 2020 Program and Service Update

Stepping Stones to Small Business The inaugural Ballarat Stepping Stones to Small Business Volunteer Mentor training and induction takes place as an online webinar on Thursday, 14 May from 11am…

08/05/2020 in COVID-19, News

Fresh Food Drop-Off at Ballarat Welcome Centre

Ballarat Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Network (BRASSN) is gathering fresh food donations to assist households and families in need. Donations of fresh fruit and vegetables welcome:MONDAYS & TUESDAYS, 11AM…

08/05/2020 in COVID-19, News

Victorian Government Support for Multicultural Communities

MEDIA RELEASEMinister for Multicultural Affairs, Ms Ros Spence MP "Helping Multicultural Victorians Through Coronavirus" www.premier.vic.gov.au, 6 May 2020. The Victorian Government is supporting multicultural and multifaith families to ensure they…

24/04/2020 in COVID-19, News

Victorian Multicultural CEO Network Open Letter

ECCV has joined 29 other ethnic and multicultural organisations across Victoria (including BRMC) in signing the Multicultural CEO Network Open Letter to the Victorian Premier and Crisis Council of Cabinet,…

17/04/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

BRMC April 2020 Program and Service Update

BRMC team is here for you. COVID-19 has changed the way we are connecting and working. Although we can't be together physically, as we normally love to do, there is…

15/04/2020 in COVID-19, News

Spreading some Easter cheer to our Seniors

We hope you all had a lovely Easter in the safety of your home. Our Senior Services team helped spread some Easter cheer to our beautiful seniors last week. On…

03/04/2020 in COVID-19, News

Stage 3 ‘Stay at Home’ Direction

The Victorian Government has directed all Victorians to stay at home to help limit the spread of coronavirus and to protect our health system and save lives. The 'Stay at…

23/03/2020 in COVID-19, News, Services

Our office is closed but we’re still working

Our office is closed but we're still working. The BRMC office is closed from 9am on Tuesday 24 March 2020 following the announcement from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews of a…

17/03/2020 in COVID-19, News

Reduce Your Risk of COVID-19

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases in Victoria it's important to be mindful and practice good hygiene to minimise the risk of COVID-19. Remember to: Wash hands with soap and…

16/03/2020 in COVID-19, News

A Message from Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council

Dear BRMC Members, Friends and Partners We hope this message finds you well. The BRMC Team is getting in touch to advise you of our planning for COVID-19. BRMC is…

Statements from the Premier

Statements from Victorian Premier, the Hon Daniel Andrews MP.

BRMC connects and supports diverse communities to be safe and informed and to minimise the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council respectfully acknowledges the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung people, their elders and community leaders, past, present and emerging
– traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work.

BRMC actively promotes intercultural and interfaith harmony. We help build inclusive and diverse communities and economies.
We work with members and partners to strengthen diversity and social cohesion in regional Victoria.

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