It has been a VERY BIG TWO WEEKS since my last message.
We have watched as war erupts in Ukraine and as Aussies face terrible floods, damage and loss up north.
The victims of these terrible events are in our thoughts and prayers. Particularly to those of you who have family and friends in Ukraine, Russia, New South Wales and Queensland - we know these must be very difficult times and we extend offers of support to you and all of our extended community. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.
At times like these, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the bad news. Sometimes it can be helpful to look for the little bits of good news in the bad - the HEROES (often "normal" people just like us) who are literally saving lives, providing essential support and care to victims, making donations to charities, helping victims survive, rebuild and LIVE.
Seeing the GOOD DEEDS of so many in amongst the disaster, heartache, violence and fear, gives me HOPE. This week our Good News Story did not take place at GEALC, but in Lismore, where ordinary people saved men, women and children from the rising flood-waters and provided lots of us with pride and hope. If you would like to contribute, I have included a list of a number of reliable organisations seeking donations to assist with their tireless work with Ukrainian refugees or helping flood victims in NSW and QLD.
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NEXT WEEK, help celebrate GEALC’s achievements during 2021 by joining us at our 35thAnnual General Meeting, on Wednesday 16 March 2022 between 9.00am to 10.00am at GEALC either online or at the Centre. Register your attendance at https://gealc.org.au/course/agm/
You all know that the GEALC MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL is coming soon on March 23. Our festival is held during Cultural Diversity Week, established to bring Victorians together to celebrate the colourful sounds, sights, movements and tastes of the our many multicultural communities.
Thank you to those of you who have offered to VOLUNTEER or PERFORM on the day. We can always have more people involved, so please let us know if you would like to help. We are all excited for another great day of celebrating diversity with food, music, dance and good company!
Thank you to the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health who ran a very interesting, informative and useful Health Information Session in Mandarin last Friday.
Yesterday, March 8, was International Women's Day (IWD), a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for achieving women's equality. See This Month below for a special photo for IWD.
If you need help understanding Covid regulations, vaccination information or testing and isolating requirements, please ask - I can help you!
As you know, we are here at GEALC to help and support you so if you need anything, please get in touch.
CAN YOU SING? DANCE? PLAY MUSIC? We would love you to perform at the Multicultural Festival and share some of your culture with us! We are also looking for volunteers to help at the event (set up and food service).
Please let us know if you would like to be involved.
Email Lindy@gealc.org.au or tell your teacher.
GLEN EIRA iPAD LOAN LIBRARY If you need an iPad to be able to study and learn from home, we can help you. Click the image or go to: https://forms.office.com/r/TN4L6B0r8u to apply.
CURRENT MASK RULES IN VICTORIA COVID rules continue to relax here in Melbourne with masks now only required indoors in the following circumstances:
On public transport, in taxis and rideshares like Uber, on planes, and indoors at the airport
People working in or visiting hospitals
People working in or visiting indoor areas at care facilities
Workers in hospitality, retail, the court system, justice, early childhood centres, primary schools and correctional facilities
Students in year 3 or above at primary school (but not in secondary school)
People working indoors at an event with more than 30,000 people attending
In special circumstances, such as if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact and you’re leaving home for a medical or other emergency or if your safety is at risk.
Masks are recommended for any worker who serves members of the public, such as a receptionist, greeting guests, or serving customers.
Please note that for the safety of all our students and staff, GEALC will continue to recommend masks in our classrooms. TRANSLATED HEALTH RESOURCES For an incredible range of translated, verified health information, the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health manage HEALTH TRANSLATIONS, a free, online library with over 24,000 multi-lingual resources! https://www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/
No Interest Loans up to $1500 Neighbourhood Houses Victoria and Good Shepherdare offering no interest loans up to $1500 for essential goods and services for health care card/ pension card holders.
Can you help a learner of Mandarin?
Hi! My name is Adrienne and I am looking for someone to practice my Mandarin with.
I have been studying Mandarin over two years and am happy to hold a conversation about everyday things/news.
My husband and I have just moved back from Hong Kong / Taiwan and I would love to keep using my Mandarin on a regular basis. If you are interested in meeting for a coffee, making a new friend or practicing your English as well, please email me at a.krahl@gmail.com
Many thanks, Adrienne.
International Women's Day - March 8 2022
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Finding a Job Can Be Hard Work!
GEALC’s JobReady program can help you get on your way: understand your skills, set career goals, learn about job-hunting, work on your resume and prepare for interviews! Call GEALC on 95788996 or go to https://gealc.org.au/course/building-employability-skills/ to sign up.
Thursdays 9.15 - 10.15am from 10 March to 7 April at GEALC (free for enrolled GEALC students)
We ask all GEALC AMEP students to please complete the Individual Pathway Guide (IPG) Form.
This is a requirement for us to receive funding.
Click to complete (approximately 10-15 minutes): https://forms.office.com/r/ZGZ5hK0XjA You only need to complete the form once. Please contact Lindy if you have any difficulty with this.
In an emergency, if you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call 000 for police, ambulance or fire. LIFELINE provides crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 13 11 14 or go to www.lifeline.org.au
BEYOND BLUE provides anxiety, depression and suicide prevention support including Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 1300 22 4636 or go to www.beyondblue.org.au
