More than 150 multicultural community organisations will share in almost $750,000 in emergency funding for grassroots projects to support vulnerable members of the community impacted by the current COVID-19 outbreak.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said the Stronger Together Grants Program supports urgent relief projects by providing assistance for food, transport, mental health support and communicating public health information in languages other than English.
“I would like to thank our exceptional multicultural community organisations who have worked so fast to urgently respond to the current outbreak,” Mrs Ward said.
She added: “Often they are the first port of call for vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community.
Many of these organisations rely on volunteers and are on the front line providing immediate support to those facing serious hardships.
These grassroots projects will provide crisis assistance including contactless delivery of food packages, mental health support and services in languages other than English.”
Examples of funded projects include:
- The purchase and delivery of food packages and other essential household items including face masks and hand sanitiser for disadvantaged members of the community;
- Expanded mental health services and information in languages other than English, providing culturally appropriate psychological support and wellness checks over the phone;
- Transport for vulnerable people with limited mobility to access services such as medical appointments, including vaccination appointments, and shopping for essentials.
“We know how urgently this help is needed and that’s why we are getting the money out of the door as soon as we can,” Mrs Ward said.
Jewish organisations slated for grants are Jewish House, Centre of Jewish Life Incorporated, Kehillat Masada Synagogue, Mizrachi Synagogue Bondi and the Zionist Federation of Australia Ltd.