HONOURING OUR MULTICULTURAL SENIOR CITIZENS
22nd July 2019
Local seniors groups in Eastern Victoria will be getting a $4,000 cheque in the mail from the Andrews Labor Government to support their work helping older migrants and ensuring they stay connected to the community.
They are one/several of nearly 900 seniors groups across the state that will share in $3.6 million, which fulfils a pre-election commitment.
The funding allows seniors organisations to hold events, excursions, cultural music performances, religious celebrations and a range of other activities.
The grants will also be used for buying or upgrading equipment, like fridges, barbeques and other commercial kitchen appliances.
Organisations representing 70 different cultural groups, including Chinese, Greek, Indian, Somalian and Italian seniors organisations, will benefit from the grants, including:
| Club Astoria German Australian Society | Filipino Seniors Carers Support Group |
| Gippsland Croatian Association Inc | International Women’s Group Inc. |
| Italian Catholic Federation | Italian Elderly Citizen Group Morwell |
| Maltese Community Centre Latrobe Valley Inc. | Samahan Ng Mga Pillipino sa Gippsland (SPG) |
| Senior Citizens of Greek Orthodox Community of Gippsland | Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association (YHCA) |
In Victoria, almost a third of those aged 65 years and over have a culturally, linguistically or religiously diverse heritage. The funding pays tribute to these Victorians and also acknowledges the increased risk of loneliness and disconnection senior Victorians face as they grow older.
It also honours the sacrifices made by older migrants who, in many cases, came to Australia, worked hard for decades far away from their immediate family to build a brighter future for their children and our state.
This year’s Budget outlined a raft of initiatives to support Victoria’s diverse communities, including expanded language programs, culturally-specific aged care homes, support for multicultural media and a new Anti-Racism Action Plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne
“In Victoria we are proud of our multiculturalism – we are richer for it.”
“This funding recognises the significant role Victoria’s older migrants played in shaping Victoria into the vibrant and inclusive place it is now – to them, we say thank you.”
“They’ve worked for decades creating a life here – as they get older, we want to make sure they maintain that connection with their local community, but also their own cultural heritage.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“These organisations do wonderful work keeping our senior citizens engaged with our community as well as in touch with their cultural roots.”
“This is important work as people get older – whatever their cultural background – this money will make a world of difference.”