The Victorian Government is continuing to support diverse communities to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with an extra $8 million earmarked for self-help programs.

The state government’s CALD Communities Taskforce is continuing to partner with local communities to ensure support is facilitated.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence has announced the extra money for local groups so they can continue to support multicultural communities with emergency relief, outreach and other projects that add to Victoria’s social and economic recovery.

The cash amounts to the second phase of the ‘Priority Response for Multicultural Communities Program’ launched last year, which supported 70,000 Victorians in partnership with more than 160 community organisations.

Then program saw more than 135,000 culturally appropriate meals and 42,000 food kits delivered to those who needed them as well as more than 25,000 outreach calls.

There were also online activities for more than 63,000 participants to keep communities connected.

The program addresses the ongoing need to provide immediate relief to multicultural communities affected by the pandemic and aims to build the capacity of local community networks, organisations and services that do the important support work on the ground.

Minister Spence said the program was a recognition that people from diverse communities were among the most vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic.

“We know multicultural communities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic – this is about providing targeted and tailored support to groups that are doing it especially tough,” Minister Spence said.

“We’ve already rolled out millions in support over the past year – for food, clothing, emergency relief – but also ensuring organisations on the ground strengthen and build their networks, so that no one is left alone,” she said.

Funding will be flexible to the needs of community at the time they are assessed.

Applications demonstrating targeted support for those communities most in need will be prioritised, as well as applications supporting new and emerging multicultural communities, multicultural women, multicultural young people and international students.

Applications will be assessed and funded on a rolling basis and early applications are encouraged. The Program is scheduled to close on Friday, 28 May 2021.

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit vic.gov.au/priority-response-multicultural-communities-during-coronavirus-covid-19.