Grant aims at talking services

THE State Government is encouraging Casey Council to improve its communication with people with limited English skills.
Combined funding of $11,165 was announced for the cities of Casey and Frankston last month.
Local Government Minister Candy Broad said the grants would allow the councils to discuss their services with people with limited English skills.
“The Bracks Government believes all Victorian families deserve decent access to council services,” Ms Broad said.
“These grants will help people with limited English to find out about assistance available in their local area.”
The program aims to help local councils buy interpreting and translation services for residents with limited understanding of English.
The councils can choose to receive their grant directly or use the services of the Victorian Interpreting and Translation Services language link.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the grant meant more residents could find out about services such as childcare, Meals on Wheels or libraries in their area.
“This initiative will get our culturally diverse population talking to their council and finding out about the valuable services they run,” Mr Perera said.
“This means more families will know where to turn when times get tough or when they want to find out more about our local area.”