This funding round reflects the NSW Government's ongoing commitment to supporting the safety and security of places of worship and other locations where religious groups gather regularly. Since 2023, a total of 355 organisations have been supported.
The Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants take a resilience-based approach to safety and security by equipping organisations to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents.
Four organisations within the Wollongong electorate have secured funding to support a range of initiatives, including security system and infrastructure upgrades, incident management, first-aid training, and safety and wellbeing services, including:
- St Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church.
- FaithPoint United Pentecostal Church.
- The Islamic Society of Illawarra; and
- Wollongong Baptist Church.
In 2025, the Nan Tien Temple and Essence of Life Youth Group Incorporated, both based in Berkeley, were successful in securing funding through this program to enhance security at their premises.
