Nepalese community receives support grant

THE organisation representing Geelong’s Nepalese residents have received a $15,000 grant from the state government’s $14.3 million Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities Taskforce.
The taskforce, announced in August, was established to help multicultural and multifaith communities through the pandemic, with representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and various departments.
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman announced the grant to the Geelong Nepalese Association Inc on Tuesday this week.
He said this round of funding from the CALD Communities Taskforce was focused on organisations that supported the Nepali community.
Funding can be used to help with the lack of access to culturally appropriate food or essential supplies, access to health information that is language-specific, access to technology to stay connected and engaged, and improving resilience against negative impacts of the coronavirus.
The Geelong Nepalese Association (GNA) is a not-for-profit, Victorian Multicultural Commission-supported organisation registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria and also affiliated with the Geelong Ethnic Community Council.
The GNA has been reaching out to its members during the coronavirus pandemic, keeping them updated with coronavirus-related news on its website and organising a “Connect, Communicate and Care” online session last week for Nepalis – particularly younger ones – living in and around Geelong to discuss how to manage anxiety and stress.
The CALD Communities Taskforce is part of a $14.3 million state government funding package aimed to reach out to more culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians and ensure they get the support they need, when they need it.
It includes $5.5 million to continue and expand the distribution of vital health advice that has been translated into 55 different languages, ensuring people understand and comply with restrictions designed to keep Victorians safe, with a focus on supporting younger CALD members.