Along with the $26 million dollar investment for multiculturalism for the year, the Victorian government has announced in its budget an extra $2 million in funding over two years.
$1.5 million will go to peak multicultural organisations and $360,000 will go to Victorian Multicultural Commission.
The funding will have a particular focus on rural multicultural communities’ councils, showing a changing demographic.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras said Victoria is experiencing a significant evolution in its demographic profile, and these changes are impacting on service providers.
It is likely Victoria will see an even greater level of change as migration patterns continue to shift to reflect regional and economic factors.
“This new funding will enable these organisations to increase the scope of their services and provide more dedicated and stronger support for migrant communities, particularly newly-arrived and emerging communities, as well as CALD youth and women,” Mr Kotsiras said.
“Our multicultural nature is not only one of our defining features but actually delivers considerable social, cultural and economic benefits.”
The Minister also visited the Centre for Multicultural Youth office in Morwell this week to highlight the important contribution made by peak multicultural organisations throughout Victoria.
