Government grants to boost multicultural community facilities

FOUR Geelong-based multicultural community organisations are set to receive a funding boost from the Victorian government to upgrade their facilities.

Earlier this month, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt announced the region would receive a share more than $9.7 million in funding allocated through the latest round of the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.

The fund supports access to safe, secure and culturally appropriate spaces for Victorians to celebrate, connect with community and enjoy a sense of belonging.

“This latest round of funding will ensure multicultural Victorians can access the facilities that bring communities together, and to share and preserve their culture and traditions,” Ms Stitt said.

Club Italia Geelong will receive $81,500 to upgrade the kitchen flooring, cabinets and appliances at its community centre in Moolap, while more than $350,000 will be divided between three organisations in Geelong’s north.

Lara MP Ella George last week confirmed the Macedonian Orthodox Community of Geelong would receive $230,000 to upgrade the Macedonian Community Centre in Batesford, including ballroom renovations, and Cultura would receive $77,500 to renovate and upgrade the Cultura Northern Hub in Norlane.

The Croatian Community Centre of Geelong will also receive $52,000 to upgrade its Corio centre, which will include the installation of solar panels and a CCTV system.

“Ensuring our communities can celebrate, preserve and share culture and traditions has always been a priority for the state Labor government,” Ms George said.

“I’m proud to support multicultural and multifaith communities in Geelong’s north and ensure that everyone in our Geelong community has spaces where they can feel proud and safe to express who they are.”