Supporting multicultural community infrastructure | Mirage News

VIC Premier

The Andrews Labor government is helping multicultural communities celebrate and build strength through a shared culture with a new round of grants under the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.

More than 40 projects will share $ 5.75 million to help community organizations stay connected to their traditions and culture by increasing the safety, accessibility and condition of existing community facilities.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Ros Spence today visited the Hebrew Congregation of East Melbourne on Tuesday to announce $ 500,000 to improve safety and accessibility, ensuring it remains a welcoming center and inclusive for cultural and religious activities.

Other successful projects in this latest round of funding include the modernization of the Ballarat Visitor Center to improve community access and multicultural participation, and the construction of a multi-purpose community center at the Syrian Orthodox Church of St George Jacobite in Heatherton.

Braybrook’s Victorian Muslim Women’s Wellness Center will receive $ 250,000 to upgrade the community hall, outdoor fitness area, children’s play area and community garden.

The Center provides a safe and secure space where Muslim women from diverse cultures can celebrate, preserve and share their traditions. It helps Muslim women advocate for social change, strengthen their communities and access culturally appropriate services.

Muslim women make invaluable contributions to communities and the Center aims to empower women through opportunities that will harness and develop their skills. It offers programs and services to address social issues and supports women who may suffer from mental health issues, family violence or abuse.

Barriers to accessing culturally appropriate services still exist for many new and emerging communities, with women facing increased barriers. The Center will offer tailor-made services designed to support Muslim women.

The grants will support job creation, helping to revitalize Victoria’s economy following the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

For more information, including a list of successful projects, visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-community-infrastructure-fund.

As Multicultural Affairs Minister Ros Spence said

“We ensure that multicultural communities can connect in spaces specially designed to preserve, share and celebrate their culture.”

“The pandemic has shown us how important it is to come together in our communities and to feel connected – that’s what we are offering through this fund.

“This funding is essential to improve the access of multicultural communities to culturally appropriate services and to stimulate community participation.