$300,000 funding boost for multicultural projects

Projects to preserve migrant and refugee histories, document their music and promote multicultural cohesion through student sport and the arts are among 20 projects to receive a share of more than $308,000 in State Government funding.

In announcing the successful projects under the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program, Multicultural Affairs Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the standard of projects was extremely high.

“Each of the projects promote inclusive and welcoming communities and bring people together to celebrate our diversity,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
 
“They are designed to connect migrants and refugees into a wide range of community activities, with the goal to build a true sense of belonging.”
 
The State Library and the Queensland Museum will partner with MDA Ltd for the ‘Memories Collection - The Story of Us’ project to preserve personal histories and artefacts of refugees and migrants, acknowledging their contribution to Queensland.
 
Opera Queensland will receive a grant of $12,074 for its ‘A Song of Belonging’ project which will explore the stories and vocal abilities of migrant and refugee students at Yeronga State High School.
 
Radio 4EB’s ‘Music Masala - A Spicy Blend of Music and Life’ project will interview 17 musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds and help them record their music.
 
More than half the projects are for organisations based in regional Queensland. Other projects focus on bridging the gaps in employment and language skills to prevent isolation.
 
A Griffith University project will establish an intensive leadership camp for Year 12 students from Pacific Island communities, while the Thursday Island State Primary School P&C Association will receive $13,000 for a primary school dance project to promote Torres Strait Island cultures to migrant groups and the wider community.
 
Multicultural Families Organisation Inc will receive $19,500 grant to establish ‘The Meeting Place’ for under 18s on the Gold Coast.
 
“The aim of this project is to provide social support and development opportunities for 400 migrants and refugees through community gatherings and linking them with local sport clubs, youth services and other support organisations,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“These wonderful projects will make a real difference to the lives of many Queenslanders and the organisations and community groups delivering them must be applauded.”
 
The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants support events and projects that promote community harmony, as well as celebrate Queensland’s multicultural identity. For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/cmq-grants
 
Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 194 548