Australian multicultural communities to benefit from $23 million

The 2017-18 NSW Budget provides increased support for Community Language Schools and continues the important work in our diverse communities, Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams announced.

“This budget confirms the NSW Government will continue its vital work with all multicultural communities, large and small, across all of NSW,” Mr Williams said.

The NSW Budget will continue to support communities excel by providing $13 million to fund cultural festivals, promote social cohesion, build local partnerships and promote our multicultural success stories.

“It also delivers a boost of more than $1 million over two years for interpreter and translation services in our Courts to make sure people from all backgrounds have equal access to justice.”

This funding is in addition to the $10.9 million commitment to Community Language Schools to support students to learn a second language.

“This is a commitment of up to $200 per student, an increase of $70, to help expand their cultural awareness, improve career opportunities and increase the number who study a language through HSC,” Mr Williams said.

Budget highlights include:

  • $10 million to engage with communities, support refugees through the development of a dedicated Settlement Unit and celebrate cultural diversity across NSW.
  • $10 million to provide interpreting and language services in more than 100 languages and dialects.
  • Over $3 million of grants for community projects and activities celebrating our cultural diversity.

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