Strugglers to be given a fairer go

A NEW package of State Government grants is set to give struggling residents a “fair go”.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera last week welcomed the Building Stronger Communities Grants package, which offers four significant grant streams for local governments, community groups and Neighbourhood Houses.
Mr Perera said Casey Council could apply for a number of grants designed to create new opportunities for disadvantaged people.
“The four grants are Modernising Neighbourhood Houses, the Community Bus Program, Volunteer Support Grants and Community Enterprise,” he said.
Mr Perera said the package was aimed at the most disadvantaged or high growth areas in the state in a bid to contribute to social cohesion.
“Councils, neighbourhood houses and community organisations in high priority areas can apply for a mix of grants,” he said.
“Research shows that social cohesion is high in a community when there are high rates of volunteering, involvement in sporting, recreational and cultural activities and when people have someone to turn to in a ‘crisis’.
“Strong social connection can break the cycle between early school leaving, crime, longterm unemployment and social isolation.
“The grants will increase participation in community programs and services, increase volunteering, develop skills, promote life long learning and support disadvantaged groups,” he said.
Local Government Minister Candy Broad and Victorian Communities Minister John Thwaites launched the package. Ms Broad said the commitment to neighbourhood houses, community buses, volunteering and community enterprise was a feature of the State Government’s action plan to address the disadvantaged.
“A Fairer Victoria is about creating a better Victoria for everyone and making sure that all Victorians, no matter who they are or where they live, can get a fair go,” she said.
Mr Thwaites said A Fairer Victoria focused on strengthening local communities.
“Strong communities are active, confident and resilient and provide support and opportunities for all who live and work there,” he said.
The Department for Victorian Communities is holding information sessions for councils, neighbourhood houses and community groups across the state.
For further information on the information sessions contact Information Victoria on 1300 366 356.
For information on the grants package visit www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au or contact the office of Jude Perera on 5996 2901.