The Andrews Labor Government today announced the membership of the Implementation Committee for the African Communities Action Plan.
The first of its kind, the African Communities Action Plan was developed by and for African communities in partnership with the Victorian Government to improve the wellbeing of all Victorians of African heritage, including young people.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Helen Kapalos will sit on the Implementation Committee, as well as a representative of the Victoria Police African Australian Taskforce. Following an expression of interest process for membership on the Implementation Committee, newly announced members are:
Mr Ahmed Dini Ms Betty Belay Ms Monica Aweng-Deng
Mr Nor Shanino Mr Fred Alale Ms Monica Forson
Ms Rabecca Mphande Ms Agok Angok Mr Jago Adongjak
Mr Mahad Warsame Mr Apollo S. Nsubuga- Kyobe Ms Anthea Hancocks (Scanlon Foundation)
The government is committed to working in partnership with Victoria’s African communities through the Implementation Committee. Members will advise on how best to allocate and prioritise funding of $8.6 million to support existing investment and the implementation of the Action Plan, including:
- $500,000 to develop and deliver programs that respond to drug and alcohol misuse
- $1 million to support more people into jobs
- $1.5 million to support education outcomes through increased support for homework clubs and school-community liaison officers.
Victoria’s African communities understand their communities’ issues better than anyone and will be central to the delivering of Government responses.
The Minister has announced the Chair of the Implementation Committee, Member for Essendon Danny Pearson Danny, and Deputy Chairs Ms Elleni Bereded-Samuel and Mr Ahmed Hassan at the launch of the Action Plan in April this year.
As noted by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
"The African Communities Action Plan is a comprehensive, long term strategy to address a wide range of issues affecting Victorians of African heritage."
"We are supporting and empowering Victorians of African heritage, and are proud to work in partnership with communities to implement the Action Plan."
