The Allan Labor Government is continuing to invest across the Western suburbs of Melbourne, with funding for the infrastructure and facilities that communities need to celebrate their culture and traditions.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today announced that nine local organisations stretching from Melton to Hobsons Bay will receive a share of over $9.7 million of funding through the latest round of the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.
The Sri Durga Arts Cultural and Education Centre will receive $400,000 to construct a new car park, building space for the Indian community to come together and learn about history, culture and language. This funding will go towards both project planning and construction.
The Avalokitesvara Yuan Tong Monastery will also receive $400,000, to build a brand new community hall in Deer Park, which will support the Chinese community to celebrate cultural festivals and activities in the Dharma Multipurpose Community Hall for All Cultural Activities.
In Hobsons Bay, the Williamstown Italian Social Club will receive $85,000 to renovate their existing facility on Garden Street, including upgrades to the roof, lighting, flooring and enhancements to the front façade of the building.
The successful organisations represent the diverse cultural landscape of Victoria with 89 ethnicities and 20 faith groups supported through the latest round of the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund. More than 50 projects will receive funding in this round of grants.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $88 million to deliver over 560 multicultural community infrastructure projects which have benefitted thousands of Victorians.
Funding through the flagship Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund supports access to culturally appropriate spaces for Victorians to connect with community and have a sense of belonging.
More information about the grant and a list of successful recipients in the Western Metropolitan region can be found at vic.gov.au/multicultural-community-infrastructure-fund, with further recipients to be announced in due course.
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
"This latest round of funding will ensure multicultural Victorians can access the facilities that bring communities together, and to share and preserve their culture and traditions."
"We're proud to continue our work to support Victoria's multicultural and multifaith communities and ensure that all Victorians have spaces where they can feel proud and safe to express who they are."
