Wednesday, 10 August 2016
LOCAL State MP Adam Marshall today announced that funding is now available to celebrate the Northern Tablelands’ cultural diversity and help bring the community together.
The 2016/17 Unity and Celebration Grants, which form part of the Multicultural NSW Grants Program, provide funding for projects which help unite local communities, promote social cohesion and showcase the benefits of cultural diversity.
“Walk down the main street of any of our major towns and you see faces representing different parts of the world,” Mr Marshall said.
“As it has always done, this diversity brings energy and innovation to our communities. Let’s celebrate that. The Unity and Celebration Grants are great way to recognise the value we gain from unity in diversity.”
Mr Marshall urged local not-for-profit organisations or local councils working in partnership with community organisations to apply.
Unity Grants provide up to $30,000 to support local community projects, and Celebration Grants provide up to $5,000 for festivals and events that bring communities together and showcase the benefits of cultural diversity.
“A key focus of the Unity Grants will be on initiatives that combat racism and build interfaith understanding,” Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka said.
Successful Unity and Celebration Grant recipients have included:
• Helping Auburn PCYC address social isolation in young in the local community;
• Establishing a local cultural club in Wagga Wagga;
• Helping vulnerable female refugees in the Hunter find jobs and work towards financial independence;
• The Ritmo Brazilian Festival organised by the Brazilian Community Council of Australia
Only not-for-profit community organisations and local councils are eligible to apply for Unity and Celebration Grants. Applications close on 9 September 2016.
For more information about the Multicultural NSW Grants Program, visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au