Applications are now open for the State Government's $2 million relief funding program to help India through its second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Indian COVID-19 Crisis Relief Funding program was recently announced by the State Government as India recorded more than 350,000 new COVID-19 cases a day.
Grants between $100,000 and $500,000 are now available to local Indian community organisations who are already working with partners to provide on-the-ground support in India.
Western Australian Indian organisations are already providing support through the provision and installation of oxygen concentrators in hospitals, the sourcing and provision of ventilators and grants to those vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the Indian society.
Eligible organisations will be required to show they are a registered charity and are delivering support through a genuine registered organisation in India.
Application forms and the full eligibility criteria are available on the Office of Multicultural Interests website at https://www.omi.wa.gov.au/funding/india-covid-grant-program
Applications close at 4pm on May 31, 2021.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We stand with the Indian community during this extremely challenging time. This funding will help the local Indian community deliver more relief to people directly impacted in India.
"The situation in India right now is absolutely heartbreaking - with the country now facing more than 350,000 new cases and thousands of deaths every day.
"My thoughts and sympathies, and those of all Western Australians, are with everyone with family, friends and loved ones who have been affected by the current situation in India."
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Tony Buti:
"As India battles through the hardest of times, felt by its diaspora all across the globe, it's important for everyone to help where they can.
"It is an extremely difficult time for the Indian community in Western Australia, many who are far away from loved ones in India.
"Western Australians from Indian backgrounds are a huge part of our community and the McGowan Government is eager to provide relief and help wherever it can."
