New Community Initiatives

01 November 2012

Launch of Punjabi School Building in Blackburn

The new Khalsa Punjabi School building was launched by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Nicholas Kotsiras, on 21 October at Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha Gurdwara in Blackburn. This new building will be a fantastic asset for the Khalsa Punjabi School, to continue its essential work in teaching the Punjabi language and promoting Punjabi culture, and is a wonderful example of how the Victorian Government is working with community organisations to preserve our multicultural heritage by developing or enhancing community infrastructure. This project received $200,000 through the Victorian Government's South Asian Building Fund.

Launch of the African Australian Community Centre in Footscray

The African Australian Community Centre was officially opened by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Nicholas Kotsiras on 19 October 2012 at 30a Pickett Street, Footscray. The Centre is a joint venture between the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Anglican Parish of Footscray, which has benefited from financial support from the Victorian Government, Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Flora and Frank Leith Trust and the City of Maribyrnong. Total funding of $617,000 was provided by the Victorian Government for the establishment of the Centre which creates a multi-purpose facility which will assist African migrants and refugees in Melbourne's West to settle in their new country and build a positive future.