Happy 2012! You'll see that we have improved our means of communicating with you and keeping you up to date with all the news around equal opportunity and human rights. In this issue of the Commission's monthly ebulletin we bring you news about our research programs, other projects underway at the Commission and our training calendar. You can also now follow us on Twitter @VEOHRC.

We hope you like the new format and we welcome your feedback and submissions. If you have any news you would like to share, please email information@veohrc.vic.gov.au. Enjoy the read!

David Vincent, a former human rights youth ambassador of the Commission, was recently announced as one of the Prime Minister's People of Australia Ambassadors.

Congratulations David and the other eminent Victorians who share this honour. Read more about the People of Australia Ambassadors Program.

This year the Commission will be proudly flying the flag for our Fair go, sport! project, which aims to increase awareness of sexual and gender diversity in sport, and promote safe and inclusive sporting environments. It began in hockey, but has been warmly supported by the Victorian sporting community and many people will be marching
with us. Download the flyer for more information (PDF, 388KB).

More than 1300 people have already responded to our online survey about the experiences of students with disability in Victorian schools. We are now conducting regional ‘have a say’ days in Bendigo, Traralgon, Ballarat, Shepparton and Geelong. If you’re a student with disability or a parent, carer or teacher of a student with disability, we’d like to hear from you.

Read more and get dates for the ‘have a say' day near you at humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/disabilityinschools or download the flyer (PDF, 123KB).

We will also be holding a ‘have a say’ forum for students with intellectual disability and their parents at our offices in Carlton on Tuesday 14 February. Download the flyer (PDF, 264KB).

The Commission is currently researching people’s experiences of accessing private rental accommodation in Victoria to learn more about the way discrimination prevents some people from renting a home. If you have been refused rental accommodation in the last 12 months please take our survey.

If you know someone who has been refused accommodation please forward this link to them: humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/privaterental.

The Commission is calling for people in the information, communications and technology sector to participate in a focus group to discuss resources for older workers about age discrimination and their rights under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. All participants will receive a $50 Myer voucher and light refreshments will be included.
When: Monday 20 February, 6–7pm
Where: The Commission’s offices, Level 3, 204 Lygon St, Carlton

To participate, call Julian Alban on (03) 9032 3435 or email julian.alban@veohrc.vic.gov.au.

Following consultations with the Commission, the Department of Transport is hosting a community forum to discuss accessible toilets at Melbourne’s metropolitan train stations. Don’t miss this important chance to have your say on 16 February at Etihad Stadium, from 10am–12.30pm.

For more information and to RSVP contact Sally Abbott, Capire Consulting Group, on (03) 9285 9004 or sally@capire.com.au.

With the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 in force since August 2011, our calendar courses and on-site tailored training programs will help you update your practice and ensure you are compliant.
Upcoming workshops include:

Equal Opportunity Act 2010: an overview
For people needing a quick understanding of their key responsibilities under Victoria’s equal opportunity law

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities: an introduction
For public authorities and community members

Equal opportunity, human rights and advocacy
For case managers, support people and other advocates

Equal opportunity for community organisations
For CEOs, human resources and other senior managers in community organisations

Inclusive management practice
For all managers, team leaders and supervisors

For more information or to register see humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/training.
To discuss tailored training call 03 9032 3415 or email education@veohrc.vic.gov.au.

• Information for international students - Know your rights
• New poster suite available to download and print