In a significant step toward building a more inclusive and connected Australia, Welcoming Australia has secured funding through the Multicultural Peak Body Project Funding (MPBPF) program, supported by the Australian Government.
Welcoming Australia believes that this funding will strengthen its mission to advance communities where every Australian—regardless of background—has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.
“The Settlement Council has supported the work of Welcoming Australia since the launch of Welcoming Cities in 2016. Their work with local councils, sports clubs, universities, and employers has had a profound impact on building welcoming communities across the country.”, stated Maria Dimopoulos AM, CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia, reacting to the news about the funding.
Although not traditionally identified as a formal peak body, Welcoming Australia says it has long played a leading role in fostering inclusion through its collaborative work with local councils, sports organisations, universities, and workplaces. The organisation believes the newly secured funding help it to build upon its momentum and expand its impact across the country.
Aleem Ali, CEO of Welcoming Australia stated : “This partnership with the Australian Government is a recognition of the incredible work happening every day in our communities. Our goal is to ensure every Australian—no matter where they come from—has a voice and a role in shaping our society.”
Empowering Communities Over the Next Four Years
As part of the funded program, Welcoming Australia will says it will be able to support the following activities:
- Facilitate Communities of Practice to share knowledge and foster collaboration;
- Deliver capacity and capability training to grassroots multicultural organisations.
- Map challenges and opportunities for multicultural organisations at the community level.
- Conduct stakeholder consultations and provide expert advice to government on multicultural policy, programs, and priorities.
This initiative follows the success of the organisation’s recent 10th National Symposium, held in Western Sydney, which brought together national and international leaders in policy, academia, civic life, and community development. Under the theme “Where Everyone Can Belong”, participants of this forum explored the roles that institutions, migration policy, and civic engagement must play in an increasingly polarised and complex world.
Dr Sonja Hood AM, Chair of Welcoming Australia declared that the funding “underscores the essential role Welcoming Australia plays in fostering national collaboration across sectors and communities. It’s about involving all Australians in the conversation about who we are and who we can become—together.”
Welcoming Australia is a non-partisan movement and organisation committed to cultivating a culture of welcome. Through local partnerships, national networks, and strategic initiatives, the organisation champions a vision of Australia where people from all backgrounds are empowered to belong, contribute, and thrive.
