- Published:
- Monday 14 September 2020
The Victorian Government is creating jobs by helping build, restore and enhance facilities where multicultural communities gather – to be enjoyed on the other side of this pandemic.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced more than $3.5 million to be shared between 36 culturally diverse groups through the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund and the Indian Community Infrastructure Fund.
The funds support various infrastructure projects right across the state, creating local jobs while also helping Victorians feel connected to their cultural heritage in facilities that are safe, modern and inclusive.
The Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund grants will provide $1.1 million for 23 multicultural groups to upgrade their community facilities, with more than half based in regional Victoria.
A further 13 infrastructure projects will share in $2.4 million through the Indian Community Infrastructure Fund – a key election commitment.
It includes $400,000 to build the Sikh Community Gurmat Centre in Devon Meadows and $450,000 for another new Indian community centre in Wodonga.
The community kitchen run by multicultural women at Wellsprings for Women in Dandenong will be renovated, while major works will also get underway at the Ballarat Welcome Centre, the Italian Social Club in Swan Hill and the Sunraysia Alevi Centre in Mildura.
For a full list of successful recipients, visit: vic.gov.au/grants-support-multicultural-communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence
“We know how important it is for multicultural Victorians to have a space to call their own – and that’s as important now as ever.”
“While Stay at Home restrictions mean we can’t gather in person right now, this funding will help create safe spaces for community members to come together in a COVID-safe way, once we reach the other side.”