Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras today announced the opening of the 2011 Small Capital Infrastructure Grants program as part of the Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund.
Grants of between $20,000 and $100,000 are available to culturally diverse community organisations for the construction of new, or enhancement of existing, community-owned facilities across Victoria.
Mr Kotsiras said projects supported through these grants provided the places that form part of Victoria’s migrant heritage and the history of Australia as a nation proud of its multiculturalism.
“The Victorian Government believes that recognising and supporting the multicultural heritage of our diverse citizens who have helped build this state and nation leads to a more unified and cohesive society,” Mr Kotsiras said.
“It helps shape the way people interact with and experience cultural diversity, and it influences attitudes towards the multicultural society that is Victoria.”
“Community infrastructure is a symbolic declaration of the value we place on multiculturalism, and a strong and enduring visual statement for posterity,” Mr Kotsiras said.
The Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund helps Victorians to make a real and lasting difference in the shape and character of our neighborhoods.
The Fund represents a $12 million investment by the Victorian Government over four years (2010-2014) to enhance cultural precincts and community facilities in Victoria, and secure the longevity of Victoria’s important community assets.
For more information about grants programs offered by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship go to www.multicultural.vic.gov.au.
