Strong social connections are proven to create a sense of belonging and improve health and wellbeing. With many Victorians born overseas, having a place to come together, to socialise, and celebrate their culture and traditions, is vital when settling in a new country.
Community centres and halls are more than a place to come together and stay connected. They are a safe space for people to join each other to celebrate cultural and religious holidays, national days, and teach younger generations their customs and traditions.
Funding to support community facilities upgrades and refurbishments
For the fourth year in a row, the Victorian Multicultural Commission is proud to support and promote the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Community Infrastructure .
This year, under the Fund, multicultural and interfaith community groups can apply for a grant between $10,000 and $100,000 to complete minor infrastructure projects.
We spoke to Ian Green, Chairman of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, about their experience with the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.
“We feel very fortunate to have been successful in receiving a Multicultural Community Infrastructure Grant last year,” said Mr Green.
“We’re using the grant to construct a sustainable water collection system. Our main issue was that we’re a long way from the main water supply in Bendigo. This meant each week we had to truck water into The Stupa.”
“Once the system is complete, The Stupa will be completely self-sufficient,” he said.
Hear more from Mr Green and about their .
Applications are now open
Victorian community groups looking to upgrade or refurbish their community facilities are encouraged to apply for . Rural and regional organisations and smaller or emerging cultural or religious community groups are particularly encouraged to apply, as a portion of the funding is allocated specifically to these groups.
Some of the infrastructure projects that could be funded include:
- painting, tiling or completing structural repairs such as roofing, plumbing or flooring works
- kitchens or bathroom refurbishments
- renovations or internal remodelling of facilities to improve accessibility or create new rooms
- non-electronic security upgrades
- building children’s playground
- installing heating and cooling systems
- installing sustainable infrastructure solutions such as solar panels or water tanks
Projects that have already received grants from the Department of Premier and Cabinet in previous years, will not be funded.
Applications close: 4pm, 20 February 2020.
If you are unsure whether your project idea will be eligible, please contact the Department’s Community Grants Team directly:
Phone: 1300 366 356
Email: multicultural.infrastructure@dpc.vic.gov.au
Image: The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Reviewed 23 June 2021