Grant recipients, from left, Conception Vanuela, Clarina Gonzalez, Val Motta, Nusret Nuspahic, Vince Motta, Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs Daniel Andrews, Cranbourne Primary School principal Garry Rolfe, Mary Chen and Yelena Makarov.
MINISTER Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs Daniel Andrews was in Cranbourne on Tuesday to recognise local multicultural community organisations.
Mr Andrews presented grants from the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) to three Cranbourne organisations.
The Cranbourne Hampton Park Greek Senior Citizens Club received $1500, the Cranbourne Italian Senior Citizens Club received $1800 and Cranbourne Primary School received $800.
The funding will go towards either supporting major festivals, conferences or multicultural community events, or towards the general activities and the needs of multicultural senior citizens groups.
Mr Andrews said more than a quarter of Casey’s residents were born overseas and he commended all the grant recipients for their important role in dealing with the day-to-day concerns of their respective communities.
“Community organisations play a key role in maintaining and promoting our cultural diversity by drawing people in to be actively involved in our community,” Mr Andrews said.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said he was pleased to represent such a diverse community.
“I congratulate these local groups. This funding will enable them to continue supporting their members and helping them contribute to our rich cultural diversity,” he said.
At least 180 of the events funded by the State Government will be part of the annual Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week.
The Week is held between 17–23 March and includes the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism on 21 March.
