A BETTER start in life for young African Australians is just one of the hopes pinned on a new centre launched in Footscray on Friday.
Established by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Anglican Parish of Footscray, the African Australian Community Centre is aimed at helping African migrants and refugees settle in Australia.
Centre co-ordinator Abraham Mamer says it will offer activities to help newcomers to the area.
“For example, our Mama’s Plus group is a great support for single mothers and their children who may be isolated in their new country,” he said.
“We are also focused on assisting young people to settle here, to help reduce isolation and foster connection in their community.”
Activities include homework help, peer-to-peer youth mentoring, education and training advice, interview preparation, job search support and assistance with legal matters.
Mr Mamer, recently honoured at the African Australian national awards as one of the country’s most influential African leaders, said programs and services would eventually be run entirely by the African community.
The project is the culmination of nearly two years of renovating the original St John’s Church.
Public facilities in the century-old bluestone church building include a community hall, children’s playground and community garden.
The Flora and Frank Leith Trust, the Anglican Foundation, Maribyrnong Council and the state government helped with funding.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Nicholas Kotsiras said the government’s $600,000 reflected support to newly arrived migrants and humanitarian communities.
“The overwhelming need to provide support and key services to members of this diverse and emerging community has resulted in this remarkable redevelopment in the heart of the African cultural precinct here in Footscray,” he said.
“Our African-Australian communities comprise a vibrant mix of diverse cultures, with their own unique traditions, languages, faiths and heritage, and this is the essence of our multicultural society.”
