The Victorian Government understands the distinct challenges multicultural communities face during emergencies, providing support through preparation, response and recovery.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety’s (DJCS) High-Risk Weather Season Preparedness Briefing — Multicultural leaders and connectors briefing helped strengthen the connection between the emergency management sector and multicultural communities.
This tailored session brought together multicultural community representatives to raise awareness on the potential risks for the high-risk weather season. The session was hosted by the Emergency Management Commissioner and reinforced the commitment to work together to keep the community safe. In all, 51 people attended from 31 organisations (DJCS).
DFFH and Park Towers residents in South Melbourne worked together to set up Park Towers Community Pantry Ltd to address the ongoing challenge of food insecurity exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The South Melbourne Community Capacity Building Initiative funds the now resident-run community pantry.
The program provided food to more than 240 Park Towers households and to 40 households in Emerald Hill Court, supporting between 450 and 600 residents every fortnight. A high proportion of Park Towers and Emerald Hill Court renters come from multicultural backgrounds, including Ethiopian, Somalian and Vietnamese.
Since the program’s inception, Park Towers residents report greater connection with each other as well as an improved sense of community and safety (DFFH: $250,000 in 2024–25).
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