The Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia has received a $48,500 funding boost to help migrants participation in the Limestone Coast community.
The Fostering Integration Grants program provides funding to not-for-profit organisations to help migrants better integrate into Australian life and support initiatives for social cohesion, such as promoting employment and community participation.
Across the country, the Government is providing $9.3 million to organisations working at the grassroots level to assist migrants.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the grant aims to support the important work the Migrant Resource Centre do at a local level and ensure Australia continues to be the most successful migrant nation in the world.
“Local community organisations have an important role to play in creating social cohesion and ensuring the unity, prosperity, and security of our nation,” Mr Pasin said.
“The Fostering Integration Grants program is about supporting organisations that work at the grassroots level in their community and have a strong understanding of the challenges facing migrants.
The Mount Gambier Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) will facilitate a project with the grant money that will bring youth from Australian-born, refugee and migrant backgrounds together to provide inspiration for the painting of a large-scale mural in a prominent public space in Mount Gambier.
Known as the Great Wall of Cultures, the mural will represent the many different cultures of the community.
“We are very pleased to have been selected by the Australian Government for this project, and appreciate the support of Tony Pasin,” Mount Gambier MRC manager Anelia Blackie said.
“The grant will enable us to bring together youth from various cultural backgrounds to talk about what their culture means to them to find commonalities and differences.
“They will then draw pictures to tell their stories, which will be used as inspiration for two artists who will paint the Great Wall of Cultures.
“Getting our youth to talk about their culture and learn from each other, will go a long way in building mutual understanding and respect among Aboriginal, Australian and migrant communities.”
Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466
