The Multicultural and Community Infrastructure Fund (MCIF) supported 84 multicultural community organisations to build, upgrade and renovate their facilities (DPC: $17.6 million in 2023–24). The program recognises that multicultural communities need safe, accessible and culturally appropriate places to gather.
Millennium House in Footscray was upgraded into a Multicultural Community Hub. Funding came from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund grants and partnerships program (DTP: $0.2 million in 2023–24). The building now provides a dedicated, multipurpose space to support multicultural groups. The space encourages meaningful conversations between different cultures and generations. This promotes social cohesion, making Millennium House an important centre for community engagement and wellbeing.
The Heide Park and Art Gallery received funding from the North East Community Funds grants and partnerships program (DTP: $0.1 million in 2023–24). The funding will help build a ceremonial gathering and learning space next to the Birrarung/Yarra River in Bulleen. This will highlight indigenous plants and land management techniques.
Case study
The Multicultural Youth Centre Ltd received
a $0.393 million grant from DPC’s 2023–24 Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund to construct the new Centre for Muslim Women's Wellbeing at 31 Kraft Court, Broadmeadows. This project involved:
- building a covered open space and offices
- installing a heating and cooling system
- completing electrical and plumbing work
- building partitions and flooring for the multipurpose hall.
The centre caters mainly for women from Muslim and other culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. In particular, it supports women from newly arrived and emerging refugee communities, who often have trouble accessing mainstream services. Many of these women also experience social isolation, mental health issues, unemployment and discrimination – all of which are made worse by limited access to culturally safe spaces.
The centre offers women-only spaces, gym facilities and water-based programs. This allows women to exercise, strengthen their cultural connections and engage with mainstream services in a culturally safe environment.
The initiative has helped many women with social inclusion, mental health and wellbeing. For younger generations, the centre provides a place to reconnect with their heritage, access educational support and find positive role models.
Women involved with the centre say it gives them a sense of belonging, helps them overcome barriers to participation and offers hope for future generations to thrive in Australia.
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