Multicultural and multilingual community media organisations across the state will receive extra support from the Victorian government as part of the Multicultural Media Stimulus Program aimed at helping recipients deliver their vital media services to their target community.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence this month announced $1.6 million to support 48 multicultural media outlets as they recover from the impact the coronavirus pandemic had on their services.
These organisations have been critical in supporting Victoria’s multicultural communities over the past year – delivering up-to-date, culturally and linguistically appropriate health directions to all Victorians.
“While access to news in people’s own language has always been important, the past year has proven that our diverse media organisations can literally save lives reaching multicultural communities with critical information,” Minister Ros Spence said.
“This investment will go a long way to creating an informed, supported and connected community for every Victorian – no matter where they come from, or what language they speak,” Minister Spence added.
Organisations receiving extra funding include Neos Kosmos, a popular national Greek community newspaper, which will be able to re-engage freelance contributors to broaden their coverage, and G’day India – which will employ more staff to develop their existing website and better serve their readers.
The next round of grants under the Multicultural Media Stimulus Program are also now open, with multicultural media outlets encouraged to apply for grants of up to $50,000.
Funding can be used to support operating and production costs, equipment or training to ensure Victoria’s rich and diverse multicultural media sector can continue to grow.
As the most multicultural state in Australia, Victoria has a long history of celebrating cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. Victorians come from more than 200 countries, speak 260 languages and follow 135 different faiths – and the Labor Government is ensuring this diversity is reflected in the media landscape.
Applications for current funding close at 4 pm on Monday 26 April. For more information and to apply, visit www.vic.gov.au/multicultural-media-stimulus-program.
