Smaller organisations to benefit from Community Relations grants
Friday 28 August 2008
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, today announced the funding of 56 grants to promote stronger community relations.
‘For the first time, a total of more than $260 000 in funding for small grants has been awarded under the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Community Relations program,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘This is a considerable increase from the $100 000 as originally planned. We received a large number of quality applications, all demonstrating a strong interest in strengthening social cohesion in their communities.
‘The additional funding will assist a greater number of smaller organisations to deliver projects promoting respect, fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone.
‘Projects range from mentor support programs to workshops on Australian social norms and laws. Cultural festivals and events which bring a broad range of people together to celebrate the diversity of local communities have also been funded.
‘A Brisbane project will develop peer support networks to encourage newly arrived young people from Sudan to participate in the local community and give them a sense of belonging in their new home.
‘In Whyalla, South Australia, a football club has been awarded funding to enable the local Indigenous community to participate in the life of the club, not only as players, but also in management and as committee members. This project will also involve cultural awareness training for the club’s non-Indigenous members,’ the parliamentary secretary added.
Mr Ferguson said that all projects were a great opportunity for people to become more involved in their local communities and discover the benefits of cultural diversity.
Successful applicants will receive between $1300 and $5000 in funding, depending on the scope of the project. Priority was given to projects working with new and emerging communities, youth and those involving Indigenous Australians.
A full list of the successful 2008 Community Relations small grants-funded projects can be found at http://www.harmony.gov.au/
Media Contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08053.htm
Last update: 28 August 2008 at 12:59 AEST