Lismore church gets funding grant for safety

THE Lismore Baptist Church in Lismore has received a NSW Government grant to improve safety.

The $8950 grant will support initiatives to increase security at places of worship, such as the ‘Make Church Safe’ project.

Member for Lismore and Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast Janelle Saffin

said the project was aimed at protecting its African members and those of other nationalities.

“This church has been an important part of the social fabric of the City of Lismore for a long time,” she said.

“The NSW Government is getting behind our faith organisations to support upgrades and other projects that will make the religious experience safer.”

The Government has allocated $15 million over four years to the program as part of its 2023 election commitment, with grants ranging from $5000 to $250,000.

“The NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures,” Saffin said.

The funding supports measures such as upgrading security and surveillance systems, training staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation, and building the resilience of faith groups.