By Matthew Sims
The Australian Islamic Centre and the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay were among an array of local multicultural organisations which received funding in the 2022-2023 state budget.
Announced earlier this year, Williamstown MP Melissa Horne visited the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay recently to celebrate the $50,000 funding commitment to deliver air-conditioning upgrades at the centre.
“Supporting our multicultural communities like those at the Australian Islamic Centre and the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay is such an important part of bringing our community together and celebrating our multicultural organisations in Williamstown,” she said.
The allocation was part of a $6.4 million statewide investment in multicultural communities to ensure Victorians of all cultures, faiths and backgrounds can host festivals and celebrations in state-of-the-art community spaces, which also included a $250,000 commitment to the Australian Islamic Centre in Newport for upgrades.
The budget also included a $493,100 investment for the Yarraville West Primary School toilets to improve amenity, cleanliness and hygiene.
Creatives and community groups also received the opportunity for funding under a $2.4 million investment to the Go West funding program, which would enable artists and creative organisations to hold festivals, family activities and performances and access more affordable creative spaces.
