Community Organisations Receive $300 000 To Help Young People

Community Organisations Receive $300 000 to Help Young People

The Girl Guides, the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency, the Moira Shire Council and Volunteering WA are among seven community organisations to receive nearly $300 000 in social cohesion funding, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, announced today.

"Under the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security, the government will ensure that we continue to engage with young Muslim Australians," Mr Ferguson said.

"The Girl Guides Association of New South Wales will receive $47 800 to recruit and train leaders who can encourage young Muslim Australians to join the Girl Guides.

"The Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency will receive $26 300 to address issues specifically faced by young jobseekers of African and Muslim backgrounds in Homebush West in Sydney.

"In Victoria, the Moira Shire Council will receive $25 000 in funding for its Flavours of Muslim culture fashion, food and friendship project.

"This funding will enable the council to provide unique opportunities for positive interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim community groups through a program of lunches, fashion parades, workshops and other social activities.

"Volunteering WA will receive nearly $50 000 for its 2for20 youth volunteering mentor project. Aimed at high school students, the project will enable them to better understand the importance of community involvement through volunteering.

"The government recognises the importance of supporting our young people and helping them to realise their full potential.

"All Australians should have a sense of belonging in this country. The National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security projects can really make a contribution where some sections do not feel a part of the community."

Full details of the successful 2009 National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security funded projects 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