The Morrison Government is further supporting multicultural communities in Barker by providing funding to the Highway Church in Bordertown to help foster integration.

 

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the latest round of the Federal Government’s Fostering Integration Grants supports grassroots organisations are helping migrant communities to be more resilient in times of crisis, encouraging community participation and breaking down cultural and language barriers.

 

Mr Pasin more than ever, was a time to support initiatives that unite Australians.

 

“As we have seen during the bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic, being part of a strong, welcoming community is so important for all of us, particularly migrants,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“We want all Australians to be able to participate in our society, know their community and work together to make our nation stronger,” Mr Pasin said.

 

The Highway Church will receive $19,512 for their program, ‘Homemade’ which is based on the idea that sharing a culturally diverse homemade meal facilitates participation, increases understanding and awareness and fosters integration.

 

Nationally, the funding is being directed to projects that can comply with, or can be adapted to comply with COVID-19 social restrictions.

 

The program builds on the Government’s $71 million package of social cohesion initiatives.

 

It also adds to the Government’s support for multicultural communities during the pandemic, with key advice being translated into 63 languages and ongoing engagement through virtual round tables and briefings.

 

Media contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466