A total of $3 million in grants will be made available to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local councils across the state as part of the Queensland Government’s ongoing efforts to create thriving and cohesive communities.
Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke today (29 October) announced the first tranche of the Thriving Cohesive Communities grants – totalling $900,000 – opened on 25 October and will close on 25 November, with the second tranche totalling more than $2 million expected to open in November.
“The first tranche of the grants will be available under two streams – Youth Connect – Contribute – Lead; and Locals speaking to locals,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Through the Youth Connect – Contribute – Lead stream (grants up to $120,000) will be provided to projects that establish connection with young people at risk of exclusion and isolation and assist young people to meaningfully participate in existing local programs, services, clubs and community activities,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Under the Locals speaking to locals stream, (grants up to $45,000) will be provided to projects that bring local people together to strengthen understanding and acceptance of all forms of diversity.
“Funded projects will support community members to better address discrimination and racism and behaviours that lead to exclusion and isolation.
“By providing this funding, we want to build social cohesion and promote a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland made up of thriving and cohesive communities.”
The Thriving Cohesive Communities grants build upon the success of the We are Queensland grants, which funded more than 80 projects, events and activities across Queensland from 2016 to 2018.
Mrs O’Rourke today also released the Thriving Cohesive Communities: An Action Plan for Queensland 2019-2021 (Stage 2).
“This Action Plan outlines how we are working to strengthen social cohesion in our communities so that we can continue to benefit from a successful multicultural society,” she said.
“A strong community where everyone feels they belong is our best defence against divisive attitudes and antisocial behaviours.
“As part of this Action Plan, three Queensland communities – Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton – have been identified as priority locations for community-led planning and activities to strengthen social cohesion.
“This Action Plan builds on the momentum and achievements of the Cohesive Communities: An action plan for Queensland 2016-18.
“It has a greater emphasis on young people (12-25 years), addressing economic exclusion, and highlighting the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Mrs O’Rourke said the Action Plan was the proud culmination of the work of the Queensland Social Cohesion Implementation Committee which was formed in June 2016.
“The committee has worked hard to improve social cohesion in our communities and I’m delighted to release this Action Plan as part of these efforts,” she said.
“I’d like thank the committee for its work to bring this Action Plan to life.”
The Queensland Government is providing $3 million as part of this Action Plan over two years.
- The five actions set out in the Thriving Cohesive Communities: An Action Plan for Queensland 2019-2021 (Stage 2) include:
- Work with local partners to facilitate community-led social cohesion planning and activities in the priority locations of Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Townsville.
- Resource established social enterprises to engage vulnerable young people and family members in the economy.
- Support young people to connect with their family or carers, to meaningfully contribute to their communities and to take up opportunities for leadership.
- Locals speaking to locals: conversations to increase exposure and build awareness, knowledge and understanding of the diverse identity of Queenslanders.
- Assist people in positions of influence with young people to positively engage with them on topics of diversity, inclusion and social cohesion (i.e. educators, faith and cultural communities, sporting and interest clubs)
To apply for the grants, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/industry-partners/funding-grants/funding-available.
