www.virwc.org.au

April 2010
Volume 1, Issue 1

A Vision of our World
An inclusive, just and peaceful community that is characterized by respect for the innate dignity of each human being; the celebration of difference; a feeling amongst immigrant and refugee women of social connection and belonging; and in which the diverse contributions of immigrant and refugee women are enabled, supported and recognized.

Lost in Transition, Mate!

The Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition proudly presents “LOST IN TRANSITION, MATE!”
This project is a 15 minute video documentary by Riza Manalo where sixteen female international students from different ethnic backgrounds share their views about their transition into a new culture.
The video follows the stories of female international students as they adjust to living in Melbourne, revealing their perceptions of multiculturalism and their experiences of Australian values and culture.
It provides female students a public voice in the continuing debate about International Students in Victoria. This video will also serve as a tool to raise cultural awareness among the general public and assists in creating a culturally tolerant society through digital media.

Where to find the video boxes in Melbourne:

The video is installed for public viewing in 5 boxes in key sites of Melbourne. Please visit the website for location updates of the video boxes:
http://virwc.org.au/lost_in_transition/locations

Victoria: The place to be for Women

05th March 2010 was yet another successful day for the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition (VIRWC) when we celebrated International Women’s Day with female international students in Melbourne.
Dubbed as a March for Harmony, the women assembled at the State Library and marched to the steps of the Parliament House in rows wearing mostly orange and purple dresses, hats, ribbons and scarves. They carried the words Harmony Day printed on orange balloons and colourful banners that said “Hope not Fear”, “Salute courage”, Freedom, Justice and Respect”. As they marched, women chanted “Victoria, the place to be for women”, “Sisterhood, Feminism: alive and powerful” and “Women – you can be the change you want to see.”

The march was also a reminder to Victorians that women around the world come to our shores as international students. They add to the diversity of our community, and bring with them fabulous opportunities for creating life time links, friendships and relationships across the globe. Like Australian women, they come here for security, peace and harmony.

VIRWC is looking for expressions of interest for a “Train the Trainer” Course on Women’s Leadership
We are holding a Train the Trainer course on women’s leadership in the months of June-August this year. Funded by Scanlon Foundation and Trust Company, this training is free to migrant and refugee women who have already completed VIRWC’s Women’s Leadership Course or other similar courses delivered by other organizations.

The goal of this training course is to enable you to deliver the Women’s Leadership Course to your community members in your language so that we are able to empower more women despite their lack of English proficiency.
To secure a place please ring Marie Cesar at the VIRWC office on 9654 1243

Volunteers wanted at the VIRWC!
The VIRWC is opening a Volunteer Program!
We need women who are passionate about helping us improve the programs and services we deliver to migrant and refugee women and others who fall into the cracks. We need the following skills:

Our Executive Director Melba Marginson will have a chat with you on 03 9654 1243 about the position you wish to apply for. You may also email her on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it