The 2018/19 budget is great news for the state’s culturally diverse communities. It comes with a Budget boost and new funds for local projects and festivals. Overall $43.6 million have been allocated to improve multicultural community infrastructure, help migrants settle into Australia’s way of life and better support multicultural festivals and events.
The government has allocated $8.6 million to the African Communities Action Plan to help build leadership and social cohesion within these communities.
“With this investment we’re making sure Victorians from every background have the support they need to contribute and belong.”, stated Robin Scott, Minister of Multicultural Affairs.
African community leaders signing the African Community Action Plan
The reactions from African communities’ leaders to the budget announcement have been very positive.
“Great news that the Government has committed $8.6 million in its budget to fund the implementation of Victoria’s first African Communities Action Plan. This clearly shows the government putting its money where its mouth is”, stated Fred Alale, Chair of the African Cultural and Music Festival and former president of the Nigerian Society of Victoria.
” This is a great start. Hopefully there will be more funds allocated to the plan given its scope” stated Clyde Sharady, Director of Africa Media Australia.
African community leaders are expected to meet this week in Melbourne to formulate a collective response to the launch of VACAP and explore ways to unite their strength and galvanise their communities for a successful implementation of the plan.
Alex Nyembo
