Last updated: May 2021
We are extremely humbled and honoured that this Coronavirus Refugee Resource Hub has won the Settlement innovation category of the 2021 Australian Migration and Settlement Awards. This would not be possible without the support of you and our community. Thank you. Read more
Scroll down for information sheets and videos in Karen, Dari and Dinka ...
NEW: Check out our Bushfire and Summer Safety Refugee Resource Hub
Our Settlement Services team has produced information sheets and videos explaining the Coronavirus threat translated in Karen, Dari and Dinka.
The information has been gathered from the Department of Health and Human Services and our Medical Practice Lead Clinician Gary Bourke and Doctor Katie Snow.
We have produced this information in support of our Karen, Afghan and South Sudanese communities.
If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our journey so far ...
We are very proud of our staff who work to support refugee communities. We were asked what we had done since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic in March. So we took a look back. Incredible. To see a snapshot of the work we've done to keep refugee communities informed since March this year including website visits, video views, information sheet downloads and other highlights pdf click here (233 KB)
Karen introduction ...
Dari introduction ...
COVID-19 vaccine explained
We have been getting lots of questions to our free Coronavirus Refugee Hotline about what the COVID-19 vaccine is and why it's important.
So our staff have made these videos and information sheets for the Karen, Dari and Dinka speaking communities using official resources from the Australian Government's COVID-19 vaccine page. To keep up to date with the latest information through this page click here
COVID-19 vaccine explained in Karen language
INFORMATION SHEET: Download and print out a COVID-19 vaccine information sheet in Karen language pdf click here (281 KB)
(See more Coronavirus information translated in Karen language further down in our hub below)
Most frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine answered
COVID-19 vaccine explained in Dari language
INFORMATION SHEET: Download and print out a COVID-19 vaccine information sheet in Dari language pdf click here (446 KB)
(See more Coronavirus information translated in Dari language further down in our hub below)
COVID-19 vaccine explained in Dinka language
INFORMATION SHEET: Download and print out a COVID-19 vaccine information sheet in Dinka language pdf click here (341 KB)
(See more Coronavirus information translated in Dinka language further down in our hub below)
Karen language:
Information sheets in language:
(Please click on the link to download and read or print out a PDF version of the information sheet).
LATEST INFORMATION SHEET:
COVIDsafe tip: pdf How to stay COVIDsafe with gatherings ( (350 KB) pdf Karen & English) (736 KB)
PREVIOUS INFORMATION SHEETS:
Sheet 1: pdf Answers to most common Coronavirus questions from Karen community (2.54 MB)
Sheet 2: pdf Coronavirus - reduce your risk (Karen) (1.70 MB) English version: pdf click here (1.20 MB)
Sheet 3: pdf Coronavirus physical and social distancing explained (Karen) (8.91 MB)
Sheet 4: pdf Coronavirus - I think I have it, what should I do? (Karen) (873 KB)
Sheet 5: pdf Don't Take The Risk this season - get the flu vaccine (Karen) (382 KB)
Sheet 6: pdf Coronavirus restrictions changes from June 1 explained (Karen) (561 KB)
Sheet 7: pdf Coronavirus restrictions changes from June 22 explained (Karen) (323 KB)
Sheet 8: pdf NSW border closure, lockdown of Melbourne and get tested if sick (Karen) (956 KB)
Sheet 9: pdf Face masks - how to choose a safe one and wear them correctly (Karen) (700 KB)
Sheet 10: pdf Coronavirus test and isolation worker support payments (Karen) (476 KB)
Sheet 11:
pdf
What you must do if you are ruled a 'close contact' (Karen & English)
(1.16 MB)
Sheet 11: pdf If you are a 'close contact' and been tested for Coronavirus (Karen & English) (1.69 MB)
Sheet 12: pdf What you must do if you test positive to Coronavirus (Karen & English) (503 KB)
Sheet 13: pdf Stage 3 restrictions return to regional Victoria. What this means (Karen & English) (415 KB)
Sheet 17: pdf How to stay COVIDsafe with gatherings ( (350 KB) pdf Karen & English) (736 KB)
VIDEO: Bendigo Health Screening Clinic with Karen interpreter
To see important information from Bendigo Health on the Stewart Street Coronavirus screening clinic in Karen language pdf click here (731 KB)
Watch the video below to learn more about the Stewart Street screening clinic and the special times available for the Karen community with interpeter support:
Special information: What does 'close contact' mean and what you must do
Our Settlement Services team has produced these information sheets and a video in Karen language explaining close contact and what is needed if you are tested for Coronavirus for this reason. We have produced this information in support of Bendigo Health and KR Castlemaine who are testing all workers due to a Coronavirus positive test on one staff member.
Close contact:
pdf
What you must do if you are ruled a 'close contact' (Karen and English)
(1.16 MB)
After you have been tested: pdf If you are a 'close contact' and been tested for Coronavirus this is what you must do (Karen and English) (1.69 MB)
If you test positive: pdf If you test positive to Coronavirus this is what you must do (Karen and English) (503 KB)
To watch a video on close contact and what this means for you click here
To download an information sheet on worker support from the Victorian Government for those who are awaiting a 'close contact' test result or self isolating pdf click here (476 KB)
Special video series for parents in Karen language
Our Settlement Services team has made a special series of videos to help parents talk to their children about Coronavirus and work to keep a normal family routine.
We thank the Victorian Government for funding to allow us to make this valuable information resource for parents during these Coronavirus times.
Parenting series in Karen language
(Click on the links below to watch the videos)
Video 1: Talking to your children about Coronavirus - watch video
Video 2: Don't forget to stop, pause, play - watch video
Video 3: Keeping a good routine at home is important - watch video
Video 4: Helping your children cope with stress around Coronavirus - watch video
Videos in language:
(Please click on the link to watch the video).
LATEST VIDEO:
March 26, 2021: Victorian Coronavirus restrictions to ease at 6pm. What this means for you - watch video
PREVIOUS VIDEOS:
Video 1 - Coronavirus symptoms: Watch video
Video 2 - Coronavirus precautions: Watch video
Video 3 - Explaining self isolation and Stage 3 restrictions: Watch video
Video 4 - What to do if you think you have Coronavirus: Watch video
Video 5 - Changes to Stage 3 restrictions in Victoria: Watch video
Video 6 - More changes to Stage 3 restrictions from June 1: Watch video
Video 7 - What to do if you experience prejudice motivated crime (racism): Watch video
Video 8 - An important message about the flu for the Karen community: Watch video
Video 9 - More changes to Coronavirus restrictions from June 22: Watch video
Video 10 - Travel warnings for Melbourne these school holidays: Watch video
Video 11 - NSW border closure, six-week Melbourne lockdown and getting tested: Watch video
Video 12 - Face masks - how to choose a safe one and wear them correctly: Watch video
Video 13 - Face masks - Everyone in regional Victoria must wear one when out: Watch video
Video 14 - Close contact. What this means and what you must do if you are a 'close contact': Watch video
Video 15 - What you must do if you test positive for Coronavirus: Watch video
Video 16 - What is close contact and what does this mean: Watch video
Video 17 - Regional Victoria returns to Stage 3 restrictions (August 5): Watch video
Video 18 - Sport and recreation - what you can and can't do under Stage 3 restrictions: Watch video
Video 19 - Most common questions to our Coronavirus Telephone Hotline on isolation and Stage 3 restrictions: Watch video
Video 20 - Most common questions to our Coronavirus Telephone Hotline on workplaces and government support payments: Watch video
Video 21 - Weekly update August 24, 2020 - Community guide Nido provides the latest news and changes for Karen community: Watch video
Video 22 - Weekly update, August 31, 2020 - Community guide Nido provides the latest news and changes for Karen community: Watch video
Video 23 - Weekly update, September 8, 2020 - Community guide Nido details the planned roadmap out of Coronavirus restrictions: Watch video
Video 24 - Weekly update, September 16, 2020: The move to Step 3 Coronavirus restrictions explained. Watch video
Video 25 - Weekly update, October 15, 2020: Face masks and what you can and can't wear now: Watch video
Video 26 - The Coronavirus period has made sleep tough. Here's some tips to help that: Watch video
Video 27 - New Coronavirus restriction changes at midnight and November 8 explained: Watch video
Video 28 - Your questions about new Coronavirus restriction changes explained: Watch video
Video 29 - Thunderstorm asthma, hay fever and Coronavirus dangers, tips and where to get valuable information: Watch video
Video 30 - Community Guide Nido explains the November 22 Coronavirus restrictions changes: Watch video
Video 31 - Community Guide Nido explains the December 7 Coronavirus restriction changes: Watch video
Video 32 - Helping your children cope with stress around Coronavirus - watch video
Video 33 - NSW Coronavirus outbreak: Community guide Nido explains what this means for Victoria and you - watch video
Video 34 - Community guide Nido explains what Coronavirus changes on January 1, 2021 mean for Victoria and you - watch video
Video 35 - Community guide Nido explains what Coronavirus changes on February 4, 2021, mean for you - watch video
Video 36 - Community guide Ma Paw explains what the five-day Victorian Coronavirus lockdown from February 13 means for you - watch video
Video 37 - February 17, 2021: Victorian lockdown to end at midnight. What this means for you - watch video
Video 38 - February 26, 2021: Victorian Coronavirus restrictions to ease at midnight. What this means for you - watch video
Video 39 - March 26, 2021: Victorian Coronavirus restrictions to ease at 6pm. What this means for you - watch video
Coronavirus Telephone Hotline for Karen community
We are now offering a free telephone hotline for Karen community members who have questions about Coronavirus. Your call will be anwered by one of our Karen-speaking staff and all calls are confidential. The hotline is available from Monday to Thursday between 1pm and 4.30pm. Please call 5406 1254 or call/text 0437 418 984. Don't worry if you have a pre-paid phone plan as we will call you straight back to save money.
To print out and share a promotional flyer for the new Coronavirus Telephone Hotline for the Karen community pdf click here (985 KB)
Watch this video to meet some of the staff who will be answering your calls and learn more about the free Coronavirus Karen Hotline we will host from Monday, July 6:
Campaign raises domestic and family violence awareness
Domestic and family violence information sheet in Karen
Download and print out an information sheet in Karen language on the different types of domestic and family violence, what you should do if you are experiencing this behaviour and some links to important organisations who can support you pdf click here (736 KB)
Bendigo Mayor issues statement in support of Karen community
Watch a video statement from Bendigo Mayor Margaret O'Rourke supporting Karen community click here
Print out a copy of statement from Bendigo Mayor Margaret O'Rourke in Karen pdf click here (1.00 MB)
Step by step guide to using Telehealth (healthdirect) for video appointments
Bendigo Community Health Services is using healthdirect to provide video Telehealth appointments with our health professionals.
To download a step by step guide on how to use healthdirect in English and Karen language pdf click here (627 KB)
A 'no money accepted sign' in Karen for business
If you run a business used by the Karen community and want to let them know you would prefer not to accept cash payments at this time, please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will send you as translated poster.
Dari language (Afghan)
Information sheets in language:
(Please click on the link to download and print out a PDF).
LATEST INFORMATION SHEET:
Thunderstorm asthma and hay fever:
pdf
Thunderstorm asthma, hay fever explained. Dangers, reducing the risk and where to get warnings (Dari & English)
(265 KB)
PREVIOUS INFORMATION SHEETS:
Sheet 1: pdf Coronavirus - reduce your risk (Dari) (1.33 MB) . English version pdf click here (1.20 MB)
Sheet 2: pdf Coronavirus physical distancing and Stage 3 restrictions explained (769 KB)
Sheet 3: pdf Coronavirus - I think I have it so what should I do? (Dari) (1.02 MB)
Sheet 4: pdf Coronavirus - Restrictions changes from June 22 explained (Dari) (516 KB)
Sheet 6: pdf Changes to Coronavirus restrictions from midnight on October 27 and November 8 (Dari) (602 KB)
Sheet 7: pdf How to stay COVIDsafe with gatherings ( (350 KB) pdf Dari & English) (736 KB)
To see important information from Bendigo Health on the Stewart Street Coronavirus screening clinic in Dari language pdf click here (780 KB)
Videos in language:
(Please click on the link to watch the video).
LATEST VIDEO:
Domestic and family violence awareness: Domestic and family violence types, what to do if you are experiencing violence and links to support: Watch video
PREVIOUS VIDEOS:
Video 1 - Coronavirus symptoms: Watch video
Video 2 - Coronavirus precautions: Watch video
Video 3 - Explaining self Isolation and Stage 3 restrictions: Watch video
Video 4 - What to do if you think you have Coronavirus: Watch video
Video 5 - Changes to Stage 3 restrictions in Victoria: Watch video
Video 6 - Coronavirus restrictions changes from June 1: Watch video
Video 7 - NSW border closure, six-week Melbourne lockdown and getting tested: Watch video
Video 8 - Face masks - how to choose the right one and wear them correctly: Watch video
Video 9 - Domestic and family violence types, what to do if you are experiencing violence and links to support: Watch video
Special video series for parents (Dari language)
Our Settlement Services team has made a special series of videos to help parents talk to their children about Coronavirus and work to keep a normal family routine.
We thank the Victorian Government for funding to allow us to make this valuable information resource for parents during these Coronavirus times.
Parenting series in Dari language
(Click on the links below to watch the videos)
Video 1: Talking to your children about Coronavirus - watch video
Video 2: Don't forget to stop, pause, play - watch video
Video 3: Keeping a good routine at home is important - watch video
Watch a statement from Bendigo Mayor Margaret O'Rourke in support of Afghan community click here
Print out a copy of the statement from Bendigo Mayor Margaret O'Rourke in Dari pdf click here (1.02 MB)
Dinka (South Sudanese)
Information sheets in language:
(Please click on the link to download and print out a PDF).
Sheet 1: pdf Coronavirus - reduce your risk (Dinka) (1.14 MB) . English version pdf click here (1.20 MB)
Sheet 3:
pdf
Reduce your risk of hay fever and asthma this pollen season (Dinka & English)
(1.46 MB)
Videos in language:
(Please click on the link to watch the video).
LATEST VIDEO:
Coronavirus restrictions update: Coronavirus restriction changes from November 22 explained. Watch video
PREVIOUS VIDEOS:
Video 1 - Coronavirus symptoms and precautions: Watch video
Video 2 - Explaining physical distancing and Stage 3 restrictions: Watch video
Video 3 - Bendigo Health screening clinic for South Sudanese community: Watch video
Video 4 - Face masks - how to choose the right one and wear them correctly: Watch video
Video 5 - Sport and recreation - what you can and can't do under Stage 3 restrictions: Watch video
Video 6 - Regional Victoria moves to Step 3 on the road to Coronavirus normal. Watch video
Video 7 - Coronavirus restriction changes from November 22 explained. Watch video
Watch a statement from Bendigo Mayor Margaret O'Rourke in support of South Sudanese community click here
Print out a copy of the statement from Bendigo Mayor Margaret O'Rourke in Dinka pdf click here (1.04 MB)
Do you need information in a language other than Karen, Dari or Dinka?
The Department of Health and Human Services has translated Coronavirus information in more than 50 languages. To access this information click here
The languages covered include Amharic, Arabic, Assyrian, Bengali, Bosnian, Burmese, Chaldean, Chin, Chinese, Cook Island Maori (Rarotongan), Croatian, Dari, English, Fijian, Filipino, French, Greek, Gujarati, Hakka, Hazaragi, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Korean, Macedonian, Malay, Maltese, Nepali, Niuean - Vagahau Niue, Nuer, Oromo, Pashto, Persian (Farsi), Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Rohingya, Russian, Serbian, Samoan, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Thai, Tigrinya, Tongan, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese and Zomi.
Help us spread the word
Bendigo Community Health Services is happy for you to share these resources with a credit. Thank you.
We'd love your feedback
We would love to hear your feedback on our Bendigo Coronavirus Refugee Resource Hub. If you've got something to share please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Refugee settlement services at BCHS
Learn more about the great things we are doing to support the refugee communities of Bendigo at www.bchs.com.au
Related information
Bendigo Coronavirus threat: All the BCHS service delivery changes and site closures
Help Your Neighbour campaign reminds us we're all in this together
Bendigo Coronavirus update: The latest
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