NSW’s Greek community will be one of many multicultural groups given a boost to fight coronavirus with the announcement of more than 150 community organisations becoming recipients of a $750, 000 state government funding package.
The “Stronger Together Grants Program” aims to deliver support for vulnerable people in the various multicultural groups.
NSW Multiculturalism Minister Natalie Ward stressed the importance of these programs in these trying times during her announcement of the support package on Wednesday.
“The NSW Government is responding to the rapidly evolving pandemic and supporting these kinds of programs are a crucial part of that,” Minister Ward said.
The program will support multicultural groups in many forms such as delivering food hampers or essential items like face masks, as well as providing increased mental health support for seniors through phone calls which check in on their regular wellness and psychological wellbeing.
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The package will also provide transport for vulnerable people with limited mobility to access essential services such as medical appointments, including vaccination appointments, and essential grocery shopping.
Ms Ward spoke on the imperativeness of all multicultural groups getting vaccinated in response to a question by Neos Kosmos.
“Across the NSW Government, we are working closely with our multicultural communities to encourage vaccinations. Please get out there, get the vaccination and we find our pathway to freedom,” Mrs Ward said.
The minister also responded to a question by Neos Kosmos on the conditions expected when Year 12 students return to face-to-face learning, especially in the eight restricted Local Government Areas (LGA) in which there are two Greek Orthodox schools, St. Euphemia and All Saints Grammar.
“It won’t be the normal school environment, so schools will operate under staggered times and they will use the entire school space to spread out. Any Year 12 student studying or living in those eight restricted LGAs is eligible to get the Pfizer vaccine and we encourage them to do so,” Ms Ward said.
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“I have spoken with the Education minister about this and we’re very keen to ensure all those HSC students do get the opportunity to complete what they have done so far this year. Should the schools have any questions they can contact (NSW) Health if they need more advice on how specifically to run a COVID-safe (environment).”
The minister asked the media to promote the national Census taking place on Tuesday, 10 August, noting “it’s so important that all members of our community complete the Census so that we have a full understanding of the makeup of our diverse society in NSW.”
