The Victorian Government is delivering on an election commitment by supporting multicultural media outlets with new equipment and ensuring communities – including in Werribee – remain informed and engaged.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced WYNFM Community Radio Inc will receive $6,049 to allow for the purchase of an outside broadcasting equipment to support coverage and community engagement at local events.

WYNFM Community Radio Inc is one of 43 multicultural media outlets in Victoria sharing in $500,000 through the Andrews Labor Government’s Multicultural Media Grants Program.

The grants – for new or upgraded office equipment, recording devices, editing software and the like – will help broaden the reach of multicultural media outlets while keeping Victorians connected to culture and community through the delivery of high-quality in-language news, information and entertainment.

This one-off funding round – a 2018 pre-election commitment – recognises the vital work of multicultural media outlets across Victoria in keeping culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities informed and supported.

The capacity to reach more people whilst fostering a greater sense of connection in communities has never been more important than during the pandemic.

Other successful recipients include community radio broadcaster 3ZZZ, Greek newspaper Neos Kosmos and TV network Ch31, which will purchase new studio equipment including TV cameras.

Jewish radio station J-AIR will receive funding to purchase new transmission hardware so that the channel can expand its broadcast range, while the Australian Muslim Media will be able to replace some of its outdated equipment, such as microphones and mixers.

The successful recipients showcase the diversity of the Victoria’s CALD communities and the value of staying connected while physically apart.

For more information, visit: vic.gov.au/2020-multicultural-media-grants-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence

“Accessing information in one’s own language has never been more important. This program enables our multicultural media outlets to strengthen their existing capacity and amplify their reach.”

“When many Victorians are missing family, friends and community, finding ways to ensure people from Victoria’s diverse communities can remain connected, informed and supported through staged restrictions is essential.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Every Victorian deserves to stay connected and informed to news that matters to them – we know there are many small media outlets that do this amazing work.”

“A big congratulations to WYNFM Community Radio Inc for receiving funds through this stream – it’ll mean they can improve their reach, keep people informed and entertained.”