Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today met with members of Armidale’s Beyond Empathy team. Pictured from left are Cherene Spendelove, Adam Marshall, Adam Williams and Kim McConville.
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today announced that the Armidale-based organisation Beyond Empathy will receive $30,000 in funding under the NSW Government’s Unity Grants Program.
Mr Marshall said that Beyond Empathy was one of 20 projects to share in more than $440,000 of funding from the program, which provides funding of up to $30,000 for projects that build social cohesion and harmony.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting grassroots community initiatives here in the Northern Tablelands which promote cultural diversity as well as the shared values which unite us as Australians,” Mr Marshall said.
“Beyond Empathy is a vital community organisation in this region and I am pleased that the NSW Government has awarded them this grant to continue the important work they do for our local community.
“The project Home is a multi-arts participatory program incorporating choir performance, photography and text culminating in an exhibition and book publication.
“I commend the Beyond Empathy team on their enthusiasm for this project and look forward to seeing the results of their work.”
Under the Harmony in Action Plan Mr Marshall said the government had committed to supporting activities which sought to combat racism, empower women and girls from diverse backgrounds and encourage intercultural engagement between young people through sport.
Mr Marshall also announced today the opening of the Support Grants Program, which fund initiatives that address issues of social isolation.
“Support Grants of up to $10,000 for organisations and $500 for individuals are available to support new arrivals and disadvantaged young people participate in sport and other community activities through assisting with the costs of enrolment, equipment and registration,” he said.
The Unity Grants Program is part of a revamped $1.6 million grants program for 2014/15. Details will be available on the Multicultural NSW website: www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au