Shoalhaven’s vibrant multicultural communities will benefit from a $100,000 funding boost from the NSW Government. The new funds will contribute to a Multicultural Hub, the first full time multicultural service provider in the region.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper today said the Multicultural NSW Grant will support diverse South Coast communities by providing service equity, as well as showcasing, preserving and sharing the region’s rich diversity of cultures, languages and faiths.
At an event attended by Mr Kamper in the Illawarra today, Chris Lacey, CEO and Company Secretary of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI) said the funding package will meet a significant need for creating an ecosystem of networks and connections with community and government service providers in the Shoalhaven.
For more than four decades, MCCI has delivered services to and represented the interests of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the Illawarra, ACT and Queanbeyan.
As a regional peak body, the MCCI implements a range of community engagement activities and programs to support Shoalhaven’s diverse communities.
From empowering youth to providing vital aged care services, community capacity building, volunteering, and training, MCCI is a long-term member of the NSW Government’s Leaders in Cultural Diversity program.
The Hub will also see increased local engagement with Multicultural NSWs Regional Community Network.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“We are proud to support the region’s leading voice for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, representing the ever-changing needs of the Shoalhaven community.
“The NSW government remains steadfast in its commitment to empower communities, ensuring bespoke, culturally relevant services that foster social cohesion.
“Hubs like the Shoal Haven serve as a vital way to build the holistic well-being of diverse communities in our regions.”
NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
“We’re really pleased that members of our culturally and linguistically diverse community in the Shoalhaven will now have access to this fantastic new Hub.
“MCCI have been successfully delivering programs in the Illawarra region for many years, and it is really heartening to see this valuable service extended to the South Coast community.”
NSW Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
“The South Coast has a growing multicultural community, and I am thrilled that our vision for a more inclusive Shoalhaven is coming to fruition with the establishment of this new Hub. It’s a testament to our commitment to embracing and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make our region so unique.
“This funding marks a significant commitment from the NSW Government to the Shoalhaven community, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to nurturing a multicultural society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
“By establishing the Multicultural Hub in Shoalhaven, we’re not just funding a facility—we’re investing in the heart and soul of our diverse community, ensuring everyone has access to the services they need in their own backyard.”
Chris Lacey, CEO and Company Secretary of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI) said:
“For more than 40 years MCCI has worked to improve supports and services for diverse communities across the region.
“We have identified gaps in what was offered along the South Coast and this welcome funding will help us reach many more people and help them reach their aspirations as the settle into their new homes in this beautiful part of NSW.”