COVID-19 VACCINES ARE FREE AND AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE OVER 12 YEARS OF AGE
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to everyone in Australia. We have all had to make changes in our lives to keep ourselves, our family and community safe. Vaccination is a critical step to getting back to the things we love to do.
Everyone in Australia 12 years of age and over can have a free COVID 19 vaccine at participating pharmacies, doctors’ clinics, and government clinics. Read on to find out where you can get information about the COVID-19 vaccine in your language, and how to book your COVID-19 vaccination, even if you do not have a Medicare card.
The vaccines and doses recommended for Australians may be different from what is happening in other countries. It is especially important that everyone living in Australia follow the health advice given by Australia’s health experts.
Accessing translated COVID-19 resources
If you would like information about COVID-19 vaccines in your own language, visit the Australia.gov.au website. All you need to do is click on the “information in your language” and choose your own language from the 63 languages available.
How to get the COVID-19 vaccine, even without a Medicare card
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia, even if you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This includes people without a Medicare card, overseas visitors, international students, migrant workers, and asylum seekers.
Everyone in Australia aged 12 years and over can book their vaccination now.
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at:
Commonwealth vaccination clinics.
participating general practices.
Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services
state and territory vaccination clinics, and
participating pharmacies.
If you are an overseas visitor living in Australia, an international student or anyone without Australian citizenship or permanent residency, you may not be able to access Medicare benefits. But that does not stop you from getting vaccinated.
You do not need to be eligible or enrolled in Medicare to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination.
If you do not have a Medicare card, you can get your free vaccination at:
Commonwealth vaccinations clinics,
state or territory vaccination clinics, or
participating pharmacies
Use the Australia.gov.au link to find your nearest vaccination clinic and book your vaccination. If you need phone or on-site interpreting at your vaccine appointment, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. If you need phone or on-site interpreting at your vaccine appointment, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
Getting proof of your COVID-19 vaccination
You can access your Immunisation History Statement:
Online, by setting up your own “My Gov account” and then accessing your Medicare account, or
Through the Express Plus Medicare app.
If you do not have a Medicare card, or do not have access to a My Gov account, you can access your Immunisation History Statement by:
asking your vaccination provider to print a copy for you; or
by calling the Australian Immunisation Register enquiries line on 1800 653809 (8 am-5 pm Monday to Friday AEST) and asking them to send your statement to you in the mail. It can take up to 14 days to arrive in the mail. For interpreting services please call 131 450.
For more information on how to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations, see the Services Australia app.
For other COVID-19 vaccine information, visit Australia.gov.au website or call 1800 020 080. For interpreting services, call 131 450.
Woolworths helps customers celebrate Diwali with expanded South Asian product range
Tuesday 2 November 2021: Diwali preparations are now made easier and more convenient with special South Asian products available in selected Woolworths stores across the country.
Diwali occupies an unparalleled place in the hearts of people and Woolworths has embraced the importance of the role food plays during Diwali by offering tailored products for the South Asian community, available in over 200 stores nationally and also online.
The range of products includes snacks, spices, rice, atta flour and other cooking ingredients to help create flavourful special dishes during the festive period. These specially sourced products not only offer popular food items, but also provide great convenience to the South Asian community in Australia to help them prepare for the Diwali celebrations.
Woolworths is offering special prices on key household ingredients such as Dhara Sunflower Oil, a range of Maharajah’s Choice spices, Kushi Juices, Amul White Ghee and a range of Katoomba Ingredients, used in everyday cooking.
In this week’s catalogue, customers will find Riviana Basmati Rice 5kg bags half price, down to $9.50 each, and savings across selected Patak’s products including Mini Pappadums, Curry Paste and Simmer Sauce.
Woolworths Commercial Director for Grocery Food Ewan Shearer said; “We understand Diwali is an important time for family gatherings, celebration and great food. Our teams have been working hard to expand our South Asian product range and ensure customers have all the ingredients and products they need to celebrate.
“For Diwali, we have the right variety of local and international products offering great value to help our customers during their busy preparations leading into the Diwali festivities.
“On behalf of Woolworths, I would like to wish the entire community a very happy Diwali.”
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
MESSAGE FOR DIWALI 2021
I extend my best wishes to all Australians celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
At its heart, Diwali is about the triumph of light over dark and of knowledge prevailing over ignorance. A fitting celebration as more and more Australians are vaccinated against COVID-19 every day, and we are able to gather again as a community.
As we begin to reopen, I look forward to seeing people dressed in their finest clothes and coming to together to light the diya lamps, sharing in the joy and festivity of Diwali.
Australians have been confronted with many hurdles over the past year. While some Diwali celebrations will again be different from previous years, I hope to see more family reunions ahead, made easier by the Government’s recent decision to recognise parents as immediate family for the purpose of international travel.
As we overcome the challenges of the last 18 months, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all that you have done to support one another and the wider Australian community – you have stood out as a continuous example of compassion and community service, embodying the message of Diwali.
My warmest greetings to the people of so many faiths who celebrate the festival of lights.
On the darkest night of the month, we hold in our hearts the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is the moment when we turn the corner, and begin to see the lights ahead of us, guiding us forward.
We have been through dark times in these last two years.
This year, we celebrate Diwali as we draw ever closer to the light at the end of our COVID-19 tunnel.
That means all the things we’ve had to forsake – welcoming, gathering, celebration and ceremony – will again be possible. For some parts of Australia, we will be able to celebrate this year, and for the remainder of the country, next year.
We look forward with joy and hope knowing that our Diwali celebrations will take place again. Over recent years, I have joined Diwali celebrations around Australia and I know the joy, colour, community and food that makes Diwali such a special celebration.
We will get to that time with our National Plan to open safely, and to stay safely open. Our vaccination program underpins this plan and I urge all Australians to get vaccinated –– to take up the opportunity offered by our doses of hope.
I thank you, as people of faith and cultural communities, for your efforts over many months to keep your communities safe, together, and part of our united response to the pandemic.
May everyone celebrating Diwali this year be refreshed by its sense of hope and prosperity, and by the fellowship of your family and community.
Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC), 2021
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India launched a scheme called “ Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC), for the academic year 2021-22 on May 31, 2021, for the Children of NRIs/ PIOs belonging to 69 countries in pursuing under graduate courses in several disciplines in India. A copy of the revised guidelines are attached herewith for ready reference. Only fresh year students ( Ist year) shall be eligible to get the scholarship.
The following are the highlights of the SPDC for the academic year 2021-22, which has been announced by the Ministry on May 31, 2021
(i) The scheme is open to four categories of applicants in the age group of 17 to 21 years as on July 31, 2021.
(a) Children of Persons of Indian Origin
(b) Children of Non-Resident of Indians
(c) Children of Indian workers of ECR countries – studying outside India.
(d) Children of Indian workers in ECR countries– studying in India.
(ii) The total seats of scholarships is 150, out of which 50 seats are reserved for the category (c) and (d). Of these 50 scholarships, 1/3rd shall be reserved for children who are pursuing studies in India, subject to the fulfilling eligibility conditions. If any of these seats are not filled up, they will be made available to applicants from other categories under SPDC and vice-versa.
(iii) Children of NRIs should have pursued at least three years of education, inclusive of 11th & 12th or equivalent ( not beyond), in a foreign country during the last six years, and should have passed the qualifying examination abroad.
(iv) Candidates would be selected on the basis of their performance in the qualifying examination ( equivalent to plus 2 stage in India) which decides the eligibility to apply for the scholarship scheme. The candidates would also have to fulfill all the criteria prescribed for the purpose.
(v) The institutions that are covered under this scheme are:
(a) NITs, IIITs, Schools of Planning and Architecture
(b) ‘A’ Grade institutions accredited by NAAC and recognized by UGC.
(c) Other institutions covered under DASA scheme.
(vi) The amount of scholarship admissible would be 75% of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC) subject to a maximum of US$ 4000/- per annum in respect of NITs and other Institutions covered under DASA Scheme. IEC includes Tuition fee, Hostel fee & other institutional charges ( Food charges are excluded).
(vii) The total monthly income of the parent(s) of the applicant should not exceed an amount of equivalent of US$ 5000/- . The parents of the applicants will provide a self attested salary certificate from the employer based in a foreign country.
(viii) After obtaining admission in selected courses in any of the specified Institutes as mentioned in Appendix “C”, students who fulfill all other eligibility conditions can complete and submit the on-line application form on the SPDC portal ( www.spdcindia.gov.in).
(ix) The last date for submission of the duly filled in application forms in the prescribed format is November 30, 2021.
Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Detection Cameras are live, right across Queensland, and they don’t miss a trick. So, if you or your passengers aren’t wearing seatbelts or not wearing them properly, or if you’re using your phone illegally while driving, tough penalties apply.
You will also receive double demerits if you are caught again within 12 months. This means you could lose your licence. Is it worth it?
The penalties
Illegal mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt contribute significantly to the number of lives lost and serious injuries on Queensland roads each year. Tough penalties apply.
“Yes I am Student” is a story which revolves around a boy who leaves his motherland and goes to another country in search of a better future. While trying to fit in another country as an immigrant he experiences a lot of difficulties incurred by people of the same background making it difficult for a newcomer. Still He overcomes all the odds to prove himself as an individual. Lastly, we try to convey a message to people from all ages to support each other as one, without any discrimination and help each other in need as their brothers and sisters.
If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C these are some of the things you should know.
For Hepatitis B:
Unfortunately, at this time there is no Cure for Hepatitis B but there is effective treatment
Not everyone with the hepatitis B infection needs treatment but everyone needs regular check-ups by a doctor.
Treatment is prescribed either by a Liver or Infectious Disease Specialist or a GP who has undertaken specialised training to prescribe the medications. For a list of accredited GPs go to https://www.ashm.org.au/PrescriberListing/.
If you are prescribed medications for hepatitis B you will need to take it for the rest of your life.
Medication for hepatitis B reduces the amount of virus in your blood which helps reduce the risk of developing liver damage and liver cancer.
The two main treatments currently available in Australia are Entecavir and Tenofovir. Your doctor will discuss with you which is most appropriate for you based on your full health assessment.
Any person who usually takes the Brand name medication called “Baraclude (entecavir)” should know that this Brand is no longer available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
You will be given generic brand medications with the same effectiveness.
For Hepatitis C:
There is a cure for hepatitis C for any person diagnosed with hepatitis C in Australia.
The medications are highly subsidised by the Australian Government for Medicare Card holders.
The two main medications currently available are Epclusa (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) and Maviret (Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir).
These medications are highly effective and treatment is for either 12 or 8 weeks. The medication prescribed will depend on your individual health assessment by your doctor.
Some people may need to be referred to a Liver or Infectious Diseases Specialist – your GP will let you know if this is required.
You will need a blood test 3 months after completing the treatment so you can find out if you are cured.
If you have any questions or concerns about the medications that you are taking you should talk to your doctor.
If you have never been or don’t know if you have ever been tested for hepatitis B or hepatitis C you should ask your doctor for a specific hepatitis B or hepatitis C blood test to check. There are many people living in Australia who are undiagnosed and could be at risk of liver damage, liver cancer and even death that could be prevented with appropriate management and treatment.
ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program provides free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different languages. Please contact us at:
OPEN FOR WORLDWIDE REGISTRATION 11– 16 NOVEMBER 2021
The 3rd Asia Pacific Screen Forum, presented from Australia’s Gold Coast, honours cinematic excellence and inspires new connections, generating discussion and new models for filmmaking across Asia Pacific.
Presented as both a physical and globally streamed event, the Forum’s theme TheInfluence Of Production On Story is explored via a series of panels, in conversations and case studies. Open to the screen industry and featuring APSA Jury, nominees and Academy Members, the 6-day event is designed to spark lively screen culture discussions with themes of inclusion, accessibility, authenticity, excellence in craft, and connection.
With Jack Thompson AM PhD as President of the Academy, the event is presented by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ prestigious Academy of filmmakers, one of the largest and most diverse film Academies in the world.
Bringing together the most extraordinary talent, the 2021 Asia Pacific Screen Forum has grown in its 3rd year. Officially opening on Thursday November 11 with the gala Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be held at HOTA on the Gold Coast, Australia, the Forum sessions will commence on Friday November 12 with a program of three significant panel discussions featuring some of the most influential leaders in their field, and encompassing some of the biggest issues faced by the storytellers of Asia Pacific and beyond.
Covering the politics and logistical challenges of filming in politically unsafe environments, the Filmmaking in Hostile Environmentspanel will bemoderated by Professor Peter Greste (award-winning correspondent and author, The First Casualty) with panel guests Granaz Moussavi(Iranian born and Australian based Director/Producer of When Pomegranates Howl set in Afghanistanand nominated for APSA 2021 Best Youth Feature Film), Shawkat Amin Korki (Director of Iraq’s Official Academy Awards® Submission for Memories on Stone (2014) & Winner of the APSA 2014 UNESCO Award), Rachel Leah Jones (Winner of APSA 2019 Best Documentary Feature for Advocate) and Sam Ho (Member of the APSA Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury in 2015).
First and second-time directors represent almost half of the APSA nominated films for 2021 and Reel Connections featuring keynote speaker Yeo Siew Hua, (winner of the 2018 APSA Young Cinema Award for his Locarno winningfilmA Land Imagined) is an offering for like-minded emerging filmmakers to share ideas, stories and experiences.
Meet the Sales Agents connects filmmakers to the deal makers! Hear from Paul Wiegard (Madman Entertainment Managing Director, Exec Producer Nitram), Pearl Chan (Good Move Media), and Alberto Alvarez Aguilera (Pyramide Films).
Exploring informal and formal co-production strategies, theCreativity and Financing panel discussion is steered by some of the best producers in the region including Nick Batzias, with a background in acquisitions, business affairs and production and producer of Nitram (Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor APSA 2021), andMeiske Taurisia the producer ofVengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash (Nominated for Achievement in Cinematography APSA 2021).
Exploring themes of representation, accessibility and authenticity, the Maintaining Authenticity In Production panel representatives hail from a diverse and esteemed background. Writer/director of Fiji’s first feature film The Land Has Eyes, and specialist in indigenous storytelling, art and cultural identity, Vilsoni Herenikowill be joined byAna Tiwary ofindiVisual films who specialises in multicultural stories for global audiences as well as acclaimed filmmaker Tran Anh Hung. This panel will explore how to navigate the demands of production to deliver authentic stories in cultural and diaspora film.
Join Man Booker International Prize Nominee Eka Kurniawan (Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash)whodiscusses the process of development for writing, direction and producing From Page To Screen: Adaptations for Film. Eka is joined by the multi-talented Leah Purcell(Writer/Director and APSA 2021 Best Actress nominee for The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson) and one of New Zealand’s most celebrated writers Briar Grace-Smith (Director – Cousins).
These events add to the previously announced powerhouse lineup of events featuring Palme d’Or and APSA Best Film winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, together with APSA FIAPF Award winning producer at the forefront of the Thai independent cinema movement, Soros Sukhum, a Conversation with Jeremy Chua (Singapore) andBina Paul (India), plus a stacked global line-up for the popular Meet the Programmers session. Additionally, global personalised networking is made available via Random Connections which is a virtual replication of the all-important networking and connections achieved by attending festivals, awards and screen events where chance meetings can result in creative collaboration, knowledge transfer and support.
The week-long series of events will be accessible online to participants right across the vast region as well as in person at Home of the Arts (HOTA) on the Gold Coast. The events will take place November 11-16 in the lead up to the previously announced Award Presentation on the evening of Thursday, November 11.
A screening program will complement the Forum with both industry and public able to attend advance screenings of Cannes Jury Prize winner Memoria (starring Tilda Swinton and directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul), Rehana (starring Azmeri Haque Badhon – Best Performance by an Actress) &A Land Imagined (APSA 2018 Winner Young Cinema Award – Siew Hua Yeo).
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says “The Asia Pacific Screen Forum underscores our city’s commitment to this global industry.”
Chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy Tracey Vieira:
“The Asia Pacific Screen Forum has grown from strength to strength, embracing the need to increase support for the filmmakers of Asia Pacific with more opportunities to connect, network, learn and develop. We have crafted an event rich in talent and diversity, with over 30 expert industry speakers from 17 countries and areas of Asia Pacific and beyond.
The opportunity for screenmakers to hear from some of the world’s top decision-makers for festivals, sales agents, broadcasters and distributors provides unprecedented access to these gate-keepers to reach an audience, and provides an insight into how these decisions are made.
APSA continues to identify, support and amplify the careers of emerging storytellers throughout Asia Pacific, with 18 of the 38 nominated films by first or second feature directors, and the annual presentation of the Young Cinema Award in partnership with NETPAC and GFS. The Forum presents specially crafted events to speak directly to these emerging voices.
The Asia Pacific Screen Academy is thrilled to present the 3rd Asia Pacific Screen Forum, and we invite the participation of filmmakers across the region and beyond to join us in November.”
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich:
“Each year, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards shines a light on inspirational talent from the region, including Queensland’s diverse and creative local content creators. As host for the Awards and the Forum, our state is positioned as an important screen hub for the wider Asia Pacific region. Screen Queensland is proud of our ongoing support of the event, which allows Queensland practitioners to connect and collaborate with industry counterparts from across the Asia Pacific.”
The Forum is presented by the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, with the support of the City Of Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, Netflix, Motion Picture Association, Griffith University Griffith Film School.
ABOUT THE ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN AWARDS & ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN ACADEMY
The Asia Pacific Screen Academy proudly presents the region’s highest accolade in film, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Established in 2007, APSA ignites and honours the cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the world’s fastest growing film region: comprising 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and responsible for half of the world’s film output.
APSA and its Academy is committed to its ongoing global partnerships with UNESCO, FIAPF, the European Film Academy (EFA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Premios Platino del Cine Iberoamericano, NETPAC (the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema), the Asia Pacific Screen Lab (APSL) and Griffith Film School.
All APSA nominees, Nominations Councils Jury members are inducted into the prestigious APSA Academy presided over by Australian screen legend Jack Thompson AM PhD. The Academy boasts over 1300 of the region’s leading filmmakers and provides exclusive networking, development and funding opportunities available to Academy members through the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund, and Academy mentoring opportunities for the next generation of Asia Pacific filmmakers through the Asia Pacific Screen Lab.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to everyone in Australia. We have all had to make changes in our lives to keep ourselves, our family and community safe. Vaccination is a critical step to getting back to the things we love to do.
Tuesday 2 November 2021: Diwali preparations are now made easier and more convenient with special South Asian products available in selected Woolworths stores across the country.
