With the federal elections just a fortnight away, the parties are doing their best to catch voters’ attention and one of the best ways is to pledge money to support much-treasured projects that are close to the hearts of key communities.
This week alone, Greek-Australian communities in Melbourne and Sydney have received pledges to the combined value of $19.3 million by the two main parties fighting it out for dominance in the federal parliament.
We have already reported on the $1.8 million of federal funding pledg to the Greek Community of Melbourne by Liberal Senator for Victoria, David Van, flanked by Dr Katie Allen, the liberal member for Higgins, and a veritable phalanx of six of the party’s candidates in city constituencies.
The funding pledged to the GCM’s Greek Centre Hub program and will go towards the upgrade of facilities in five community centres in the city.
We have also reported on the Labor’s pledge of $10 million that is intended for the redevelopment at the Greek Orthodox monastery of Axion Esti in Northcote. If elected, the money pledged by the party will go towards a project that Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta said promises to be “a major cultural hub of national significance”. It is projected to cost an estimated $70 million
Flanked by his own phalanx of perspective election warriors, including Maria Vamvakinou, a veteran of many political skirmishes, Labor’s shadow minister for multicultural affairs Andrew Giles announced that if elected, the “Albanese Labor government” pledge “would ensure the future of this beautiful monastery and the grounds it sits on.”
Not to be outdone and before we even had a chance to rest the computer keyboard has come the news that a re-elected federal Liberal government will “provide $7.5 million to “upgrade and convert the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of St Ioannis Parramatta buildings, to more sustainable buildings.”
This time the bearer of good news was the Liberal candidate for Parramatta, Maria Kovacic who said it was “vital that our Greek community, one of the largest in Western Sydney, has the opportunity to actively preserve, promote and support their identity, heritage and culture, which is why the Morrison Government is committing to this substantial investment.”
And then there is the “Morrison Government” announcement, on Friday, that it has invested $8.1 million into the Fostering Integration Grants program “to support activities that celebrate and recognise Australia’s multicultural communities, increase cultural awareness, and help an even more socially cohesive Australia.”
The announcement was made by Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke who said the program was about supporting migrants to succeed in Australia and enhancing social cohesion.
“With the pandemic recovery upon us, it’s time to support community groups to bring cultural events and festivals alive again for all Australians to promote a sense of belonging to all,” Mr Hawke said.
Hold your breath and watch this space for more to come.
