New funding addresses key gaps in CaLD community services

• Local organisations receive $980,000 in funding over three years
• Services address unmet needs of Western Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

The McGowan Government will invest $980,000 over the next three years to fund services that support WA’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities.

Five community organisations have received funding through the Community Support Fund to deliver services that address gaps caused by the Federal Government’s failure to properly fund mainstream service provision to CaLD communities.

The three-year funding program is managed by the Office of Multicultural Interests, which supports not-for-profit CaLD service and umbrella community organisations.

The organisations receiving funding are:

• Edmund Rice Centre WA – $255,000 for its English and Computer Literacy Program to improve English language skills and computer literacy in recognition of the importance of these skills to successful employment and integration;
• Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees – $255,000 for its Safety Net Project – a service that supports asylum seekers no longer eligible for case work services and basic income support following recent changes to the Commonwealth Government’s Status Resolution Support Services;  
• Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre – $170,000 for its community English classes for people from non-English speaking backgrounds with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. The program aims to improve students’ English skills and increase their independence to encourage their participation in education, employment and social activities;
• Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia – $150,000 for its services to African communities that aim to increase coordination of services to Western Australian African community groups and members; and
• Vietnamese Community in Western Australia – $150,000 for its Integration Services for Vietnamese Program that addresses English literacy, education, isolation and provides education about the Australian legal system.

Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:

“The Community Support Fund program addresses priority needs of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities through building capacity, knowledge and skills.

“The funding will improve services offered by culturally and linguistically diverse community associations, and organisations that focus on settlement, disability, employment, health, mental health, and family and domestic violence.

“It is vital to our vibrant and successful multicultural State that we support the provision of services that address the needs of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.”

Minister’s office – 6552 5600

Courtesy: Media Statement, Government of Western Australia