Geelong Nepalese Association to help those affected by the pandemic

A STATE government grant of $10,000 will assist the Geelong Nepalese Association to deliver immediate food relief services to community members in need.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman announced the Victorian Government funding through the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities During Coronavirus program would help Victorians from multicultural backgrounds continue to have access to healthy and culturally appropriate food as Victorians do their bit by staying home.

The assistance will enable the Geelong Nepalese Association to continue their important work providing food hampers, freshly cooked meals, groceries and essential items to community members in need.

President of the Geelong Nepalese Association Niraj Karanjeet said the funds would do more than provide food relief, but also improve the community’s mental health as a result.

“The unexpected pandemic has impacted overall community members’ mental health and well-being,” Mr Karanjeet said.

“Public health arrangements, such as social distancing, have made people feel isolated and deserted and, in many cases, grow in stress and anxiety.

“The funding will be utilised for culturally appropriate food and emergency relief to the community, particularly international students, people without Permanent Residency, and those impacted by COVID-19 in Geelong and Surf Coast Region to address the immediate needs of CALD communities affected by the pandemic.”

The state government has funded more than 320 community organisations through the program to provide emergency relief, food support and community outreach, as well as targeted communication through translated materials and community-led content since the start of the pandemic.

“We are supporting multicultural communities to continue its important work – because no-one in need should go hungry,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“Our local community organisations do such an important job feeding people and keeping them connected, and we’re ensuring they can continue serving the communities they know so well when that help is needed most.”

A complete list of funded recipients can be found at vic.gov.au/priority-response-multicultural-communities-during-coronavirus-covid-19.