- More than $5.4 million to maintain, upgrade critical
community infrastructure
- Thirty-five CaLD community centres and
facilities in metro and regional locations to receive funding
More than $5.4 million
has been allocated via the Community Capital Works Fund (CCWF) to assist grassroot
community hubs support the growing needs of our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
(CaLD) communities.
CaLD community associations
and community service organisations across the State will now be able to upgrade,
maintain and diversify critical community infrastructure to accommodate contemporary
requirements and ensure that these important spaces are available for
generations to come.
These facilities are run
and operated by volunteer groups and provide culturally appropriate services, including
for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Services can include family
support, enterprise development and housing support, as well as programs for specific
groups such as, people with disabilities, young people, seniors, LGBTQIA+ and
women.
As important community
hubs, these facilities are also places for CaLD communities to come together
for cultural celebrations, language education, and to foster a sense of
belonging, which is essential for physical health, mental wellbeing, and
resilience.
The CCWF is administered
by the Office of Multicultural Interests and more details, including a full
list of recipients, are available on www.omi.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister
Dr Tony Buti:
"Community centres and facilities for CaLD communities are more than just
bricks and mortar - these dynamic hubs of celebration, learning, and community
connectedness are the heart and soul of our vibrant multicultural society.
"Many of these buildings are more than 60 years old and require
significant upgrades that are beyond the means of the volunteer and community associations
that run them.
"Additionally, as the WA community grows, these ageing facilities have
increasing and diverse demands which put additional stress on the communities
they serve.
"The Cook Labor Government values multiculturalism as one of Western
Australia's greatest strengths and this funding demonstrates our commitment to
ensuring CaLD communities continue to flourish and contribute to our unique
social, economic, and cultural fabric."
