Over 50 innovative projects will benefit from more than $350,000 to maintain harmony, support emerging communities and deliver events to bring our multicultural society together announced, John Ajaka, Minister for Multiculturalism.

The Unity and Celebration Grants program aims to fund projects and activities to assist with building a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society.

“I’d like to congratulate the funded charities, local councils and community organisations who presented innovative projects that work at a grassroots level to build inclusive environments for all Australians,” Mr Ajaka said.

“These projects play a key role in addressing social isolation and barriers to engagement in local communities.”

The 2016/17 Unity and Celebration Grants form part of the Multicultural NSW Grants Program. Unity Grants provide up to $30,000 to support local community projects, and Celebration Grants provide up to $5,000 for festivals and events to bring communities together and showcase the benefits of cultural diversity.

Successful Unity Grant projects include:

• A multicultural phone peer support hub for Arabic and Cantonese speakers;
• The delivery of mental health first aid training for Australian African communities;
• The development and distribution of a welcome pack for deaf new migrants; and
• Immediate support and relief through occupational therapy for refugees with disability affected by the Syria and Iraq crisis.

For more information about the Multicultural NSW Grants Program, visit http://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/.