Two important African community organisations have received funding support of more than $63,500 from the McGowan Government's Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia this week presented grant funding to the Organisation of African Communities in WA and the South Sudan Community Association of WA.
Presented at the Girrawheen Hub community centre, the grants will help the associations to support the immediate needs of community members experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding will enable the not-for-profit associations to assist vulnerable community members suffering financial hardship.
There are more than 101,200 African-born people living in Western Australia, which makes up around 4.1 per cent of the total population.
The McGowan Government, through Lotterywest, has committed $159 million into a COVID-19 Relief Fund to respond to the hardship being experienced by the Western Australian community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lotterywest's COVID-19 Relief Fund is helping to meet costs related to increased demand for crisis relief services impacted by COVID-19.
For more information about approved Lotterywest grants, visit https://www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:
"The Organisation of African Communities in WA and the South Sudan Community Association of WA have been pivotal in supporting Western Australians from African backgrounds during these current challenging times.
"Often these organisations are the first point of call for individuals and families in these communities, so it is vital that they have the resources to provide the necessary support.
"We acknowledge the outstanding work and commitment of both these organisations in keeping their communities safe and informed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of support in particular has been provided to students.
"WA's African communities continue to contribute strongly to the social, economic and cultural development of the State."
