A Victoria-based Sikh association on Tuesday received a grant of 10,000 dollars from the Australian state's Labour government as part of a programme to strengthen multi-cultural communities through inter-faith dialogue and collaboration.
James Merlino, Minister assisting Premier John Brumby on Multicultural Affairs, and Member
for Burwood, Bob Stensholt, presented the Victorian Sikh Association with the grant.
"Victoria is the most multi-cultural, harmonious state in Australia and rivals any of the multicultural centres of the world," Merlino said.
"Our Government is working with dedicated community organisations like the Victorian Sikh Association to promote interfaith dialogue and collaboration and religious harmony," he said.
This funding will provide a multitude of benefits to the Victorian Sikh community and to the broader Victorian community as they strengthen multi-cultural communities, Merlino said He said the Victorian Sikh Association is receiving USD 5000 to produce the VSA News and to cater for new migrants, including students, with integration and language classes.
An additional USD 5000 are being provided to greater assist new migrants and overseas students
to integrate with the Victorian community through a range of programmes like accommodation,
education, career, health, legal and family counselling services.
Stensholt said the Victorian Sikh Association worked to promote cultural, social and sport activities among members of the association and other communities across the state.
"Our Indian communities continue to play an active role in standing up for our reputation as a culturally and religiously diverse society that embraces rich cultural heritage," Stensholt said.
"The Victorian Sikh Association is a welfare organisation for the community and provides links needed by new Sikh migrants with the general Australian community, to assist them with their early settlement in Australia," he added.
Merlino said the Brumby Labour Government has committed more than USD 4.6 million to
supporting community organisations like the Victorian Sikh Association through the Victorian
Multicultural Commission's Community Grants Programme.
Since 2006, the government's community harmony investment has instituted a range of
initiatives, including support for inter-faith and multi-faith activities in the Victorian state.