Nsw Community Groups Benefit From Diversity Funding

NSW Community Groups Benefit from Diversity Funding

New South Wales community groups will receive $345 500 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 aims to promote respect, fairness and 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 grants recipients in NSW this year are some very creative projects that encompass a wide range of activities."

Blacktown City Council Arts Centre will receive $50 000 to film a play written by a Sudanese youth group and distribute the DVD to high schools in Sydney's west. The play explores issues facing young people from African backgrounds.

"I am pleased we are able to support this constructive and creative endeavour from young Sudanese Australians," Mr Ferguson said.

"Auburn Community Development Network will receive $49 000 for its Auburn central: promoting rights and responsibilities project, which encourages social connections between local residents from Turkish, Lebanese, Chinese, Afghan, Korean and Iraqi backgrounds.

"The Rugby Youth Foundation will receive $50 000 for its Mt Druitt/Doonside Youth Leadership Project to empower 50 teenagers from Pacific Islander, African and Indigenous backgrounds. This project will help young people develop skills to improve social relationships, enhancing their further education and employment options.

"The Penrith Skills for Jobs `Synergy Boys' project will receive $50 000 to encourage young people to build social links and work skills through the Getting to work program and other community-based cooperative activities.

"All of these projects will help people in NSW to develop networks and a stronger sense of community."

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