Wa Community Groups Win Through Diversity Funding

WA Community Groups Win Through Diversity Funding

West Australian community groups will receive nearly $195 000 in funding under the Australian Government's Diverse Australia Program, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, announced today in the lead up to Harmony Day on March 21.

"The Diverse Australia Program promotes a sense of belonging for everyone in a practical way delivering funding to groups and organisations that make a real difference to Australian communities," Mr Ferguson said.

"Among the funding recipients is the City of Swan, which has received $45 000 for a project that will allow young people from many cultural backgrounds to present their own visual arts, music and dance at a major youth festival.

"Community Vision will receive $50 000 for its We kicked it off project which will see young people from the northern suburbs of Perth organise and run a soccer tournament.

"This project will be open to players, families and members of the community. Participants will record their experience as a DVD for schools, community organisations and young people.

"The Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation will receive $50 000 for its Your dreams: my dreams short film project for local Indigenous, non-Indigenous and migrant groups.

"Soul Gestures will receive $49 900 in funding to run the African soul at Aranmore project which will provide newly arrived African families with the opportunity to meet other parents and children through a Harmony Day lunch and soccer tournament.

"These worthwhile projects will involve many of Western Australia's young people in activities that build relationships, self-confidence and cross-cultural understanding, engendering a sense of belonging for all."

Full details of the successful 2009 Diverse Australia Program community grants projects and Harmony Day events can be found at www.harmony.gov.au

Media Contact Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935

SOURCE: Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and
Settlement Services