$1.9 million awarded to strengthen multicultural participation across Queensland
- 26 multicultural community-led projects have been allocated more than $1.9 million under the Strengthening Multicultural Queensland program.
- The program consists of two categories – Empowering Multicultural Community and Youth and Community Connection.
- Almost 180 applications received across the State.
Multicultural programs across the State will share in almost $2 million to help break down barriers and create opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders.
The Strengthening Multicultural Queensland grants provide funding for projects that help foster inclusion, boost economic participation, create opportunities for connection, and support the positive engagement of young people.
Under the Empowering Multicultural Community projects category, 11 projects will receive funding across the State, including funding to improve water safety and a project to enhance social workers' understanding of domestic violence dynamics in culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Brisbane.
In the Youth and Community Connection projects category, 15 projects will be funded including a two-year Basketball Program for Australian South Sea Islander youths in Mackay, and a mentorship program at the University of the Sunshine Coast to promote higher education pathways for Māori and Pacific Islander youth in the Moreton Bay area.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said the grants were designed to break down barriers to full social and economic participation across Queensland.
"These recipients have demonstrated leadership in embracing multiculturalism and inclusiveness within their communities, by providing practical ways for people from diverse backgrounds to be actively involved in Queensland's economy and way of life," Minister Simpson said.
"We celebrate the diversity that our multicultural communities bring to this State, and these grants will assist in promoting their rich heritage, while supporting their full participation as Australians."
Royal Lifesaving Society Queensland Executive Director Paul Barry said his organisation was delighted to receive funding for its AquaUnity: Water Safety for Diverse Cultures program.
"Unfortunately, drowning incidents among people born overseas has increased from 29 per cent to 34 per cent since the first 10-year analysis in 2014/15," Mr Barry said.
"Recent data also shows that drowning tragedies are more common when refugees and migrants are relatively new to Australia.
"This funding will enable us to offer a multicultural water safety program designed for adults who were born overseas, with the aim of increasing water safety awareness, and help reduce drowning risks.
"It will provide essential education and real-life skills to give participants the confidence to safely enjoy water activities and enhance social connection by bringing people together through shared learning experiences."
To view the full list of projects, visit: www.tatsipca.qld.gov.au/smq-program
