- More than $5.4 million to maintain, upgrade critical community infrastructure
- Thirty-five CaLD community centres and facilities in metro and regional locations to receive funding
More than $5.4 million has been allocated via the Community Capital Works Fund (CCWF) to assist grassroot community hubs support the growing needs of our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities.
CaLD community associations and community service organisations across the State will now be able to upgrade, maintain and diversify critical community infrastructure to accommodate contemporary requirements and ensure that these important spaces are available for generations to come.
These facilities are run and operated by volunteer groups and provide culturally appropriate services, including for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Services can include family support, enterprise development and housing support, as well as programs for specific groups such as, people with disabilities, young people, seniors, LGBTQIA+ and women.
As important community hubs, these facilities are also places for CaLD communities to come together for cultural celebrations, language education, and to foster a sense of belonging, which is essential for physical health, mental wellbeing, and resilience.
The CCWF is administered by the Office of Multicultural Interests and more details, including a full list of recipients, are available on www.omi.wa.gov.au
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“Community centres and facilities for CaLD communities are more than just bricks and mortar – these dynamic hubs of celebration, learning, and community connectedness are the heart and soul of our vibrant multicultural society.
“Many of these buildings are more than 60 years old and require significant upgrades that are beyond the means of the volunteer and community associations that run them.
“Additionally, as the WA community grows, these ageing facilities have increasing and diverse demands which put additional stress on the communities they serve.
“The Cook Labor Government values multiculturalism as one of Western Australia’s greatest strengths and this funding demonstrates our commitment to ensuring CaLD communities continue to flourish and contribute to our unique social, economic, and cultural fabric.”
