By Angela Dorizas
Councils and community groups across Queensland are set to receive $5.7 million in State Government support for multicultural programs over three years.
Announced by Multicultural Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk, the funding will be allocated to more than 19 communities, representing more than 36 cultural backgrounds.
“As part of the funding, local governments and community organisations will continue to employ culturally-aware staff to meet the needs of their multicultural community,” Palaszczuk said.
“These staff work with their individual communities to identify their particular needs and to promote greater appreciation of different cultures.
“The positions also play a vital role in creating cultural harmony within a community by developing greater appreciation of different cultures.”
The $5.7 million will be split between 14 councils and 16 community organisations supporting multicultural activities.
Palaszczuk said the Local Area Multicultural Partnership (LAMP) initiative will deliver $675,000 per year to eligible councils.
“LAMP is a great example of different levels of government working together for the benefit of Queenslanders,” she added.
“Queensland communities will benefit more through this funding round because, I’m happy to say, the councils will be matching our funding dollar for dollar.”
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed the boost in funding for multicultural programs.
LGAQ president Cr Paul Bell said councils were grateful for the continuation of the award winning LAMP program.
“The continuation of the program will enable the work, which is coordinated by the LGAQ, to expand and boost its efficacy,” Cr Bell said.
“The program enables a number of initiatives which would otherwise be impossible, such as the employment of council multicultural policy officers.”
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