Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV)

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV)’s mission is to work to ensure that we remain a member driven peak body committed to empowering people from culturally diverse backgrounds. We strive to give voice to multicultural Victoria. We strive to advocate for human rights, freedom, respect, equality and dignity for ethnic and multicultural communities and in building a socially cohesive and inclusive Victorian community.

The organisation advocates and lobbies all levels of government on behalf of multicultural communities in areas like human rights, access and equity and improving services. As our core business, we advocate on any issue that is of concern to our members.

We are proud to have been the key advocate for culturally diverse communities in Victoria since 1974.

Recent News

MEDIA RELEASE: Let’s Stand Together – Social cohesion and community action needed now more than ever

STATEMENT FROM THE ECCV: COVID 19 and the community we serve

Wednesday 18 March 2020

The ECCV acknowledges that we are living in uncertain, unprecedented times and appeals to the courage, compassion and leadership in each one of us to ensure that we prioritise the physical and mental health and well-being of each other, the health workers and the wider community. We must work together through the current State of Emergency in Victoria to combat the spread of COVID-19 to come out stronger on the other side.

“We support the efforts of the state government and acknowledge the State of Emergency declared by Premier Dan Andrews,” said ECCV Board Chairperson, Eddie Micallef.

“Our focus now is on things that we can do to protect ourselves, those in vulnerable groups and the wider community.”

Proactive measures taken today can make a difference with the increasing cases, flatten the curve – slow the rise of confirmed cases to ease the stress on medical centres and health facilities.

Here are top tips from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton regarding stemming the spread of COVID-19:

• If we can do social distancing now, reduce the chance of transmission of coronavirus between people, then we’ll flatten the curve and have a lower peak in this pandemic
• Maintain very high standards of personal and general hygiene: Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, cough into your elbow and avoid touching your face
• Coronavirus hotline: If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days – on 1800 675 398

          Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

• If you’re unwell, it is important to stay home. Stay away from work, from public spaces and especially from vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

“Most people do get a mild form of the disease but for vulnerable people the disease can be really severe. So, it is imperative that we do all those things to protect those who’re most at risk,” said Dr Sutton.

Watch the full video statement here

ECCV’s Response

In keeping with this advice, the ECCV is reviewing our upcoming commitments to reduce the risk to vulnerable community members such as our aged care sector clients, people with a disability and those with pre-existing conditions.

To ensure the safety of our staff and the community we serve, the ECCV has cancelled all non-essential meetings, forums and workshops scheduled to take place in the coming four weeks. Our staff team will be in touch with partners, stakeholders and funders via video or teleconferencing as required. We thank you for your understanding and ask that you follow our social media channels to stay across updates regarding ECCV events and other news.

We are determined to act in the interest of the community, by reducing risk where possible and stemming the spread of the virus.

Useful resources

• Important information for renters, business and others from Consumer Affairs Victoria
• Australia Council for the Arts COVID 19 Response package to support artists, arts practitioners, arts groups and arts organisations coping with the impact of COVID-19.
• Easy English COVID 19 Information sheets and resources
• Australian federal government’s economic response to COVID 19
• Latest updates and information on COVID 19 from the Victorian government’s Department of Health and Human Services
• FAQS regarding the virus, its transmission and testing, and preventative measures.
• In-language information regarding COVID 19 from Victorian government’s Department of Health and Human Services
• Latest updates and information from the Australian government’s Department of Health
• You can get help and information on looking after our mental health and wellbeing from: Lifeline and Beyondblue
• Embrace Multicultural Mental Health also have information for CALD communities
• Contact numbers of support services for women experiencing family violence from InTouch – Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

For more information, please write to us on eccv@eccv.org.au or call 9354 9555.

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