It is so great to be able to write today that the 6th lockdown in Victoria has ended. Melbourne is beginning to open up along with the rest of Victoria. While some restrictions are still in place, I am sure these first steps of freedom will be a welcome relief for all and everyone will be greatly looking forward to getting out – reconnecting with family and friends, being able to enjoy a meal out or even getting a (potentially long overdue) haircut!
The rollout of vaccinations across Victoria are hitting new milestones with the state reaching its 70% double-dosed target, and another milestone of surpassing 90% of first-dosed which is extremely encouraging. The target of 80% double-dosed has been advised as the marker for further easing of restrictions and is not too far away, then we can start getting back to life as we used to know it and be allowed to travel anywhere across Victoria and soon interstate / overseas.
FCVic is pleased to have been selected as one of five organisations to receive funding through the second round of the Victorian Government’s Carer Statewide Partnership Grants Program, enabling the continuation of important work assisting carers to access financial counselling and other support services. Our project, Standing Strong: financial resilience for older carers, will see FCVic partnering with organisations Alfred Health Carer Services and Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre to help older carers build their financial resilience, with a focus on those from the LGBTIQA+ and CALD communities.
Lastly, the FCVic Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held via a zoom meeting on 13th October 2021. A Special Resolution to change the FCVic Constitution was passed with 85% in favour. The new constitution is now finalised and you can read it here: Financial Counselling Victoria Inc Constitution. The Annual Report was also presented at the AGM and a copy can be downloaded to read here: 2020-21 FCVic Annual Report. I’d like to acknowledge and thank the FCVic team for all their hard work in preparing both the Annual Report and the AGM – well done to all involved.