STATE FUNDING OF $16,000 FOR MULTICULTURAL CENTRAL WEST

Queensland Government funding of $16,000 has been given to two community groups in Central West Queensland for activities and projects that celebrate diversity and promote cohesion and harmony in a culturally diverse society.

Minister for Multiculturalism Lindy Nelson-Carr said that the grants were part of the Beattie Government’s $700,000 Multicultural Assistance Program (MAP).

These Central West Queensland organisations received funding:

• Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board received $6000 for the Outback Settlers project in Longreach to help and support migrants; and
• Emerald Shire Council received $10,000 for the annual Emerald Multicultural Festival 2007.

Ms Nelson-Carr said this year there were 77 MAP grant recipients throughout the state.

As part of the $700,000 MAP grants, five state-wide focused projects and events shared in $100,000, and six major, established festivals also shared in $100,000 which is the final instalment of a three-year Beattie Government funding commitment.

“These projects and events encourage community development and give Queenslanders a chance to participate in a range of cultural activities,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Projects and events will be held across the state, including in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Central Queensland, the Far North, North Queensland, Wide Bay, Gladstone, Ipswich and Darling Downs.

“The Multicultural Assistance Program encourages the community to celebrate our state’s diversity and contributes to our mutual respect and understanding of different cultures and religions,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

For more information visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004