May 2026 — Issue #62

Hello, and welcome to this post-budget edition of Multicultural Update, the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)'s newsletter.

Read on for ECCV’s State and Federal Budget analysis and other updates from across our work.

Our CEO Farah Farouque joined ABC's Richard Willingham and economist Peter Breadon to share ECCV's take on the Victorian Budget at a VCOSS panel hosted by Juanita Pope

ECCV's Budget Analysis

Victorian State Budget 2026-27

ECCV has welcomed several practical measures in the Victorian Budget, including funding for anti-racism initiatives, refugee support and multicultural seniors’ groups.

However, more sustained investment from all parties will be needed ahead of the November State Election, particularly for multicultural organisations, language services and grassroots community support.

Read our full Victorian Budget response

Federal Budget 2026

Key announcements in the Federal Budget include welcome new investment in the Support at Home program, with personal care services such as showering and continence management to be fully covered, alongside funding to speed up migrant skills recognition.

While this is a more ambitious budget than many we have seen in recent years, a much bolder outlook is needed to sustain multiculturalism – a key pillar of modern Australia's success.

Read ECCV’s full Federal Budget analysis

ECCV in the Media

Our CEO Farah Farouque spoke on ABC Radio’s PM program in response to the Leader of the Opposition's plans to exclude long-term residents and permanent visa holders from essential supports. Listen here

ECCV’s response to the Victorian Budget was also featured across several multicultural media outlets

The Philippine Times: Budget 2026–27: Peak ethnic council welcomes targeted funding while urging more support for multicultural Victorians

The Indian Sun: Multicultural and Aboriginal groups welcome Budget support, call for deeper investment

The Greek Herald: ECCV urges stronger multicultural investment ahead of Victorian election

ECCV's Sara Bavato also appeared on SBS Radio’s Italian language program and in Il Globo newspaper emphasising the importance of Victorian Government funding for multicultural seniors’ clubs and groups, something ECCV has long advocated for.

Opportunities & Resources

Join ECCV, Australian Energy Assessments and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SEC) for a free webinar for multicultural renters.

We’ll cover practical, low-cost ways to reduce bills, improve comfort at home and understand your rights as Victoria transitions away from gas.

We’ve also developed energy brochures in 11 community languages, to help multicultural communities navigate these changes at home.

🔗 Register for the webinar here

Elder Abuse Prevention Brochures

In partnership with Senior Rights Victoria, ECCV has developed culturally responsive brochures to help seniors better understand elder abuse, know their rights and access support. The updated resources are now available online with a new translation in Ukrainian. 🔗 Access them here

Witness to War is a free, confidential national telephone support service for people experiencing distress related to events overseas, including concern for loved ones, grief, anxiety or difficulty accessing support.

Bicultural support workers speak a range of languages including Arabic, Hebrew, Dari, Ukrainian and Farsi, with interpreters available for other languages.

📞 1800 845 198

🔗 More information here