Councils across NSW are delivering projects to strengthen community connection and overcome hate, racism and discrimination at a local level, thanks to the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.
Under the $800,000 program, seven metropolitan and six regional councils will consult with their communities to elevate local voices, help to build understanding of community experiences, and shape each council’s response to hate, racism and discrimination.
When social cohesion is undermined, communities are less resilient and division grows. This program responds directly to those concerns, supporting councils to deliver practical solutions and reinforce that hate, racism and discrimination have no place in NSW.
Each project is locally designed and led to reflect the needs of specific communities, with many supporting the development of local anti-racism strategies and other long-term initiatives to build more inclusive communities.
In Willoughby, council will facilitate a youth-led project across council areas along the Metro Line to build shared connection and address racism, misinformation and social division through guided engagements, while in Lake Macquarie, accessible training will build the skills and confidence of community members to prevent, respond to and report racial discrimination.
Since launching in 2021, the NSW Social Cohesion Grants program the NSW Government has delivered more than $2.7 million to 21 local governments.
A full list of successful councils and programs is available online at www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/connected-communities/nsw-social-cohesion-grants-for-local-government
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Our communities are made stronger by our diverse faiths, backgrounds, and cultures. It’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure our differences are respected and seen as the strengths that they are.”
“No one should be made to feel like they do not belong in our state.”
“Creating a safe and inclusive environment for every person, and every family, is a duty that we all share.”
“Through theses council-led programs community members will feel supported to raise their voice and help shape more connected, cohesive neighbourhoods.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
“Strong communities are built through respect, inclusion and participation. Councils play an important role in bringing people together and helping create places where everyone feels they belong.”
“Councils across New South Wales have told us they want practical support to strengthen community connections and respond to hate, racism and discrimination. These grants will help them deliver projects that reflect the needs and priorities of their own communities.”
“The strength of this program is that local communities will help shape local solutions. By listening to residents and working alongside community organisations, councils can develop practical initiatives that build understanding, strengthen trust and help prevent division before it takes hold.”
“Local government is closest to the communities it serves. Councils understand their neighbourhoods, know the local challenges and are well placed to lead initiatives that bring people together and build stronger, more cohesive communities.”
Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Adam Shultz said:
“Lake Macquarie is a welcoming and inclusive city and we’re committed to continuing to build on that.”
“Our ‘Everyone belongs in Lake Macquarie’ program will deliver training across schools, the community sector and Council to build skills and confidence to respond to racial discrimination.”
“By listening to our community and building understanding, we can strengthen connection and create a more inclusive Lake Macquarie.”
Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor said:
“Willoughby is proud to support Metro Connect, a youth-led project that uses our city’s transport connections to bring communities closer together.
“By creating opportunities for young people from Canterbury-Bankstown and Willoughby to meet, learn from one another, share experiences and develop new friendships, the project will help build connections across our region.
“When young people have the opportunity to meet, listen and connect, it helps challenge misconceptions and break down prejudice through genuine understanding and shared experiences, while fostering a stronger sense of belonging.
“We look forward to welcoming young people to Willoughby and seeing the positive connections that grow from this initiative, helping to build more respectful, inclusive and connected communities for the future.”
