Emergencies and disasters have unique challenges for Victorians from multicultural communities. The Victorian Government is working to support these communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
In particular, we need to make sure multicultural communities can quickly get accurate information in their own languages when disaster strikes. With funding from DFFH, the University of Melbourne led an investigation into Understanding and Improving Machine Translation for Emergency Communications. This project aimed to improve emergency messaging for multicultural communities.
The team provided practical suggestions for reducing problems when using machine translation technology. This work helped to craft better emergency communication for Victoria’s multicultural communities (DFFH: $0.045 million
in 2023–24).
Similarly, Multicultural Emergency Management Initiatives helped build stronger connections with multicultural communities before, during and after emergencies. It helped government work with these communities in ways that respect their cultures and meet their needs (DJCS: $1.5 million in 2023–24).
To date, the project has:
- supported regional multicultural working groups through ethnic communities councils and peak bodies
- delivered a knowledge-sharing forum that brought together the community, multicultural organisations and emergency services
- supported and resourced the Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership. This statewide partnership was established during COVID-19. It brings together multicultural community leaders and emergency management leaders.
In mid-February 2024, a large storm caused widespread damage to homes and properties across central and eastern Victoria. In the 48 hours during and after the storm, we received more than 4,000 requests for help with damaged buildings and fallen trees. Large areas of Victoria experienced electricity outages, and many homes were without power for several days. Lightning strikes also caused bushfires in western Victoria.
The government provided funding for people affected by these emergencies. The Recovery Support Program offered a single point of contact, providing trauma-informed information and advice. This included helping people access financial and wellbeing support as well as assistance with paperwork and engaging with insurers and builders (DJCS: $3.548 million in 2023–24).
The Recovery Support Program assisted 1,793 households affected by the February 2024 event. Of these, 17 households reported being of multifaith or multicultural background. We provided translated information, including how to access supports.
People from multicultural communities could also access the program using the Emergency Recovery Hotline. This hotline provides information in different languages through the Translating and Interpreting Service.
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