Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Nicholas Kotsiras announced the opening of the 2013 Small Capital Infrastructure Grants Program.
Under the Program, which is part of the Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund, not-for-profit organisations representing culturally and linguistically diverse communities may apply for grants of between $20,000 and $100,000, to restore existing community-owned facilities across Victoria.
“Victoria’s cultural precincts and community infrastructure are at the heart of our multicultural success story. They enhance Victoria’s rich multicultural tapestry by providing meaningful spaces for our many diverse communities to meet, socialise and share their cultural traditions,” Mr Kotsiras said.
The 2013 Small Capital Infrastructure Grants Program will fund improvements to venues and facilities used by community organisations to hold social activities; provide support services to their local community, including the elderly and recent migrants; and to teach community languages.
“These facilities play an integral role in promoting civic participation and social engagement across the Victorian community, and in ensuring that our multicultural communities are able to preserve their heritage and traditions from one generation to the next, ” Mr Kotsiras said.
The fund is part of $12 million allocated over four years (2010-2014) to enhance cultural precincts and community facilities in Victoria.
To date, $10.25 million in grant funding has been awarded to community organisations and local councils for capital infrastructure projects across Victoria.
The 2013 Small Capital Infrastructure Grants round is open from 18 May to 28 June 2013. For more information about grants programs offered by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, visit www.multicultural.vic.gov.au.