The Victorian Government has awarded funding to more than 40 projects aimed at helping community organisations remain connected to their traditions and culture by increasing the safety, accessibility and condition of existing community facilities.

Through the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund, the projects will share in $5.75 million to help community organisations maintain facilities and build strength through shared culture.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence visited the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation to announce $500,000 to improve safety and accessibility, ensuring it remains a welcoming and inclusive hub for cultural and religious activities.

Other successful projects in this latest round of funding include upgrades to the Ballarat Welcome Centre to enhance community access and multicultural participation, and the construction of a Multi-Purpose Community Centre at the St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Heatherton.

The Victorian Muslim Women’s Wellbeing Centre in Braybrook will receive $250,000 to upgrade the community hall, outdoor fitness area, children’s play area and community garden.

The Centre provides a secure and safe space where Muslim women from culturally diverse backgrounds can celebrate, preserve and share their traditions. It supports Muslim women to be advocates of social change, strengthen their community and access culturally appropriate services.

Muslim women make invaluable contributions to communities and the Centre aims to empower women through opportunities that will harness and build skills. It offers programs and services to address social issues, and supports women who may be experiencing poor mental health, family violence or abuse.

Barriers to accessing culturally appropriate services still exist for many new and emerging communities, with women facing increased obstacles. The Centre will offer tailored services, designed to support Muslim women.

The grants will support the creation of jobs, contributing to the revitalisation of Victoria’s economy following the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Minister Spence said the funding would ensure that multicultural communities can connect in purpose-built spaces – preserving, sharing and celebrating their culture.

“The pandemic has shown us how important it is to gather in our communities and feel connected – that’s what we’re delivering through this fund,” she said

“This funding is critical to enhancing multicultural communities’ access to culturally appropriate services and boosting community participation,” Minister Spence said.