By Molly Magennis
A not-for-profit community centre in Seddon has secured half a million dollars in funding for upgrades to ensure it can continue supporting multicultural and migrant communities.
The Australian Multicultural Community Services’ Millennium House was built by refugees from the Polish community who came to Australia in the 50’s.
On May 10, multicultural affairs minister Ros Spence announced the multicultural hub was awarded a $500,000 grant to contribute to structural upgrades.
This round of grants from the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund is providing more than $4.5 million to be shared by 30 community organisations across the state.
Upgrades to the Millennium House will mean an increased capacity to support people from multicultural backgrounds including seniors, newly arrived migrants, refugees, women, young people and children.
Activities within the space that will be able to be held include adult education classes, emergency relief, employment pathways support, ethno-specific social support groups and respite for carers.
Australian Multicultural Community Services chief executive Elizabeth Drozd said the organisation was appreciative of the commitment to multicultural communities from the state government.
“This investment will aid us in our mission to care for, support and empower, whilst providing a safe, functional and well managed centre to benefit the wider Maribyrnong multicultural community,” she said.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said Millennium House provides a place for all people to come together and celebrate that diversity.
“Millennium House is an icon of acceptance and hope within our community, a place that provides so much for people wishing to start a new life in the inner west,” she said.
“This grant will enable Millennium House to continue to provide invaluable assistance to those who need it.”
