Local community groups and organisations in electorate of Werribee will share in more than $2.8 million of grants being offered statewide to help build relationships between Victoria’s diverse cultures and faiths.

Local Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas said the Andrew Labor Government’s new Community Harmony Program will support two local recipients, including the Wyndham Community Cultural Foundation, and the Wyndham Interfaith Network.

The program is designed to support women, young people, new and emerging communities, and multicultural LGBTI Victorians.

It aims to assist Victoria’s many multicultural communities to participate in all aspects of life in Victoria by:

• Increasing intercultural, inter-community and inter-religious interaction, engagement and understanding
• Supporting diverse groups to develop relationships with one another and deliver initiatives that promote community harmony
• Build community leadership to respond to emerging challenges
• Building understanding about shared values and the foundations of common humanity transcend cultural and religious difference

Competition for funding under the Community Harmony Program was strong, with almost 170 applications submitted statewide.

An extensive merit assessment involved separate panels with subject matter experts from a wide range of organisations, a high-level strategic panel and VMC ratification.

Quotes attributable to Local Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“These grants will help bring our many diverse communities together and support the good work being done at a local level to improve social cohesion and harmony here in Werribee.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“We’re working to enhance our thriving, diverse and harmonious State.”

“The Community Harmony Program brings communities together and creates more understanding and respect in our society by connecting Victoria’s diverse cultures and faiths with each other and the wider community.”