The State Government is allocating $2 million in relief funding to support those directly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in India.
$2 million will go towards a Western Australian grant program that will be available to local Indian community organisations who are already working with partners to provide on-the-ground support in India.
WA Indian organisations are already providing support through the provision and installation of oxygen concentrates in hospitals, the sourcing and provision of ventilators and grants to those vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the Indian society.
The grant program will be administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Eligible organisations will be required to show they are a registered charity and are delivering support through a genuine registered organisation in India.
Western Australians can also make donations to Sewa International Australia, a registered not-for-profit organisation that has a presence in India, which is also raising funds for the COVID-19 plight in India. Donations can be made through its website at http://www.sewainternational.org.au
As stated by Premier and Treasurer 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:
"I've recently met with representatives of Western Australia's Indian community to discuss the impact the pandemic is having, and it's important to do what we can to help in this extremely difficult period.
"All the way through this crisis, Western Australians from Indian backgrounds have been an important part of our response to COVID-19.
"They have been working on the frontlines - in our hospitals, in primary health, in hotel quarantine, essential services and other fields - to keep our State healthy and safe."
