The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is supporting the Australian Human Rights Commission and its partners to consult the public over the the development of the National Anti-Racism Strategy. The aim of the strategy is to promote a clear understanding in the Australian community of what racism is and how it can be prevented and reduced. Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke is leading the development of the strategy. She is very keen to hear how racism affects communities around Australia, and what we should be doing about it. If you didn’t make it to one of the earlier public consultation meetings in Victoria, you can still have your say online by filling out an online survey, or writing a response to a discussion paper by 11 May, via the Australian Human Rights Commission website. 

Local film makers are invited to contribute short films to be part of Maribyrnong's Refugee Week Film Festival. The Festival will be held at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville on Monday 18 June. Refugee Week takes place nationally from 18-24 June and provides opportunities to promote harmony and togetherness as well as to celebrate the contributions refugees make to our community. This year's theme is: Restoring Hope. Films are a powerful way to share stories and help raise understanding in the broader community. They can also be a compelling reminder that regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity. Organisers are looking for films that highlight aspects of the refugee experience. Films will be selected by a panel of Maribyrnong's Refugee Week Organising Committee. Submissions must be in DVD format and should ideally be classified and ready for public viewing. All entries must be received by Friday 18 May.

Council elections are being held this year and a free information forum is being held for those who are interested in finding out more about how to stand for election in a local council. The forum is organised  by the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV), which encourages greater diversity of representation at all levels of government. This is your opportunity to improve your chances to start a political career at the local government level. This free session is designed to help you understand how local government works, what councillors do and what the challenges are in getting elected. Register before the 28 May for the forum which is being held on Monday 28 May at the ECCV, Carlton.

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council  (BRMC) is starting a regular art and craft group on Friday afternoons, throughout May. Run by crafty volunteers, the aim of the group is to allow migrant women to come together and share their art and craft skills while conversing in English. BRMC are looking for the following: Irons and ironing boards, sewing needles and pins, scissors, embroidery threads, cottons and wools, medium weight cotton or linen fabrics suitable for embroidery or applique work, material scraps, knitting and crochet yarns and needles, paints and brushes, wooden platters, bowls and trays suitable for decorating, protective aprons and disposable gloves - and anything else you think you might be able to offer! Contact BRMC to organise a donation on 5332 5941.

Diversitat will launch a new safety DVD on Thursday 10 May to help get the message across about pedestrian road safety. Aimed at people who have newly arrived in Victoria, the DVD called, Walk This Way, provides relevant pedestrian safety messages and tips for keeping safe on our roads. The DVD will be played in Adult Migrant English Classes and added supplementary support material will also be provided to help keep our newest community members safe. The DVD includes information on how to cross roads safely using pedestrian crossings and traffic lights, how to keep children safe near roads and car parks, and a section on the dangers of using iPods and mobile phones while navigating traffic.

We love to hear what you have planned. You can submit your events and details of any new resources with a multicultural focus via the form on our website. These get added to our online Community Noticeboard and Events Calendar. Selected listings will be included in the VMC Update each fortnight. Click on the link below to find out what's going on around multicultural Victoria.