CLO National Newsletter: 17 April 2026 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

Community Engagement Newsletter – 17 April 2026

Dear community representatives,

Thank you for your ongoing support and contributions to the community. The CLO Network has collated the following newsletter of important information from across the Australian Government that may be of interest to yourself and members of your community. Please feel free to forward this newsletter, or any of its sections, to members of your community.

In this fortnight’s edition, you can find information on the following:

Australian Immi App now available in 47 Countries

Visa applicants from around the world now have greater access and convenience when applying for an Australian visa, thanks to the latest expansion of the Australian Immi App.

From 24 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs introduced the app in a further 13 countries, bringing the total to 47 countries under the Offshore Biometric Collection Program.

From 24 March, eligible applicants in the following countries will be able to use the Australian Immi App: Albania, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Nepal, Somalia (third-country nationals), Sri Lanka, Uganda and Zimbabwe

Using the Australian Immi App, eligible applicants can submit their facial biometrics and passport information directly from their smartphones. This removes the need to attend a biometric collection centre in many cases. To be eligible to use the app, clients must have previously provided their biometrics (facial image and fingerprints) to the Department and hold a valid passport.

The Department of Home Affairs looks forward to further expanding the app’s reach throughout 2026, ensuring easier access to Australia’s visa system for more people, in more places.

For full eligibility details, step-by-step guidance and technical requirements, visit Australian Immi App (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).

EOI CLOSING SOON! – Security Uplift for Muslim Communities

EOI CLOSING SOON! - Security Uplift for Muslim Communities

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are closing soon for Muslim faith-based organisations to apply for funding to enhance their security resources.

Organisations must submit an EOI in order to be considered for funding. Organisations who are shortlisted at the EOI stage will then be invited to apply for funding in mid-2026.

For general information, see

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/multicultural-grants/grant-delivery/security-uplift-for-muslim-communities

(homeaffairs.gov.au)

For detailed information or to submit an EOI, see Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) website at https://anic.org.au/security-uplift/ (anic.org.au).

EOIs close 24 April 2026. Interested organisations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

National Security Hotline Email Address Decommissioned

There are some changes being made to the National Security Hotline (NSH).

From 10am on Monday 20 April, the current email address for the NSH, hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au, will be decommissioned. In its place, a new NSH webform will become available to the public. Reporting via phone, post, and SMS, will remain unchanged.

This upgrade is designed to reduce cyber risks and improve engagement, particularly with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. To maintain accessibility, the new NSH webform will be available in the near future in 18 different languages.

At launch, the NSH webform will only be available in English. As we work to offer this service in more languages, we want to reassure everyone that assistance is available. If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You can ask them to call the NSH on 1800 123 400.

Further information can be found by visiting the NSH webpage by clicking the following link: National Security Hotline (NSH).

Community Grants Hub – Updated Website

The Community Grants Hub has recently updated their website to create a more user-friendly experience.

On this page there are helpful videos on applying and answering the assessment criteria as well as FAQs, guides and submission checklists. There are also links to factsheets on financial information to support an application and what happens when incomplete information is submitted.

This page is also available in five First Nations languages, including: Yumplatok, Kriol, Djambarrpuyngu, Pitjantjatjara, and Warlpiri.

To visit the new Community Grants Hub page, please click on the following link: Applying for a grant | Community Grants Hub (communitygrants.gov.au).

Stop Hate. Report It.

There is no place in our society for hatred of any kind, and everyone should be able to enjoy their life without prejudice or discrimination.

Hate isn’t just about physical violence. A hate crime or incident could be:

verbal abuse
property damage
online abuse or harassment.

If you experience hate or prejudice, don’t put up with it; speak up and report it.

Stay safe and report the incident to police. By reporting incidents, you become part of a larger movement to remove hate, racism and prejudice from our society

In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.

If there is no immediate danger, call the Police Assistance Line (131 444) or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Reporting hate lets authorities understand patterns of behaviour in local areas, so they can create a safer community for everyone.

To learn more about addressing hate, visit: Addressing Hate | Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au).

Scam Awareness Products and Services for Multicultural Communities

Services Australia has a dedicated Scams Prevention and Engagement team that supports multicultural communities by providing translated scams awareness resources and community education activities to help people recognise scams, protect their personal information, and access supports if they are targeted.

Their Scams and identity theft resources for community groups page includes resources that can help you educate and support people in your communities, including:

Look out for scams Easy Read guide
Scammers on social media simplified guide
Charity impersonation scams on social media case study

The Easy Read guides use short, simple sentences and supporting icons to make the content clear and accessible. The case study shows how scammers impersonate trusted charities to target vulnerable customers, access their myGov accounts, and steal their payments.

You can view the full catalogue of resources at servicesaustralia.gov.au/scamresources or search by searching QC 64866 on the Services Australia website.

Medicare Mental Health Check In – Appointments now available

Medicare Mental Health Check In - Appointments now available

Medicare Mental Health Check In is available to people who are 16 years and older and living in Australia.

This service is a good option if you want to build practical skills, work out strategies to manage your mental health, or take a first step toward improving your wellbeing. It works best when you feel ready to try small, practical changes. The focus is on early intervention and prevention – helping you strengthen your mental health before concerns get worse. You don’t need a referral or diagnosis from your doctor to use the programs.

If you need help now

If you need support right away, there are 24/7 services that can help. If you’re feeling unsafe or overwhelmed right now, know that you’re not alone, and your safety matters. See: I need help now | Medicare Mental Health Check In.