Maidstone-based organisation Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) was among a number of Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay multicultural organisations announced as the recipients of the latest round of funding in the state government’s Priority Response to Multicultural Communities program.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Ros Spence recently announced 70 multicultural community organisations would share $3.45 million in funding so they can continue to support immediate health response needs.
The grants would continue to support community organisations to provide emergency food relief, easier access to mental health and wellbeing services and activities to reduce social isolation.
AMCS chief executive Elizabeth Drozd said the funding would further support AMCS’ ongoing work to support its communities following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Through previous funding, we provided COVIDSafe workshops, online social activities, food and hygiene packs, help to find work and other resources,” she said.
“We gave the people the opportunity to socially connect, access information and learn something new.”
Other funding recipients included Malak Foundation, Cohealth, Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition, The ‘Silent Witness’ Network, Foodbank Victoria and the Tibetan Community of Australia (Victoria).
Ms Spence said the funding will further solidify support networks built as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve already provided millions to support our multicultural communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and now we’re delivering even more to strengthen these communities and build their networks,” she said.
Matthew Sims
