Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced up to $8 million for local groups. The Minister says that the funding is provided to continue supporting multicultural communities with emergency relief, outreach and other projects that add to Victoria’s social and economic recovery.
“We know multicultural communities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic – this is about providing targeted and tailored support to groups that are doing it especially tough.” stated Minister Ros Spence.
The funding is part of the second phase of financial support, which builds on the successful implementation of the first phase of the Priority Response for Multicultural Communities Program last year, which supported 70,000 Victorians in partnership with more than 160 community organisations.
Ros Spence, Victorian minister for Multicultural Affairs
According to the Minister, more than 135,000 culturally appropriate meals and 42,000 food kits delivered to those that needed them, more than 25,200 outreach calls made and 1,100 online activities with over 63,000 participants to keep communities connected.
The Program addresses the ongoing need to provide immediate relief to multicultural communities affected by the pandemic and aims to build the capacity of local community networks, organisations and services that do the important support work on the ground.
Funding will be flexible to the needs of community at the time they are assessed.
Applications demonstrating targeted support for those communities most in need will be prioritised, as well as applications supporting new and emerging multicultural communities, multicultural women, multicultural young people and international students.
Applications will be assessed and funded on a rolling basis and early applications are encouraged.
The Program is scheduled to close on Friday, 28 May 2021. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit vic.gov.au/priority-response-multicultural-communities-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
Alex Nyembo | reporter
