Somali Community Inc. (SCI) Victoria produced a series of bilingual video messages to help Somali-speaking residents across Victoria stay informed, safe, and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two respected community leaders and ambassadors delivered these messages directly in Somali, ensuring that critical health information reached community members in their first language.

Fariinta Bulshada — Community Message

The video messages were recorded and shared as part of SCI's bilingual COVID-19 outreach initiative, active throughout 2020 and 2021. Each ambassador spoke clearly and accessibly about the public health measures in place, explaining not only what the restrictions required, but why they were important for protecting families, elders, and the broader Somali community in Victoria.

Xaddidaadaha COVID-19 — Current Restrictions

Community ambassadors outlined the key COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time of each recording, including guidance on gathering limits, wearing masks in public spaces, physical distancing, and staying home when unwell. The messages were updated as Victorian health directives changed, so the community always had access to the most current information.

Talaalka — Vaccination Encouragement

Both community leaders spoke openly and positively about COVID-19 vaccination, addressing common concerns within the community and encouraging eligible members to get vaccinated as soon as possible. They emphasised that the vaccines approved for use in Australia had been thoroughly reviewed for safety and effectiveness, and that vaccination was one of the most powerful steps individuals could take to protect themselves and those around them.

Talaalka waa mid ammaan ah oo muhiim u ah caafimaadka qoyska iyo bulshada oo dhan. Vaccination is safe and vital for the health of our families and our whole community.

— SCI Community Ambassador

Adeegyada Taageerada — Accessing Support Services

A key focus of the outreach was ensuring community members knew how to access available support. The ambassadors highlighted several pathways, including:

• Contacting the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (available 24/7)
• Reaching out directly to Somali Community Inc. Victoria for bilingual assistance and referrals
• Using the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 to communicate with health providers in Somali
• Visiting dhec.vic.gov.au for multilingual health resources

SCI's bilingual video outreach during 2020–2021 demonstrated the critical role that trusted community voices play in public health communication. By delivering accurate, timely information in Somali, these ambassadors helped ensure that every member of the Victorian Somali community — regardless of their English proficiency — could make informed decisions to protect their health and the wellbeing of those they love.