Grants help multicultural groups to honour volunteers

A total of 55 culturally and linguistically diverse organisations have been awarded grants totalling $27,500 under the new Harmony Champions Program.

The grants are part of a larger program to recognise the many achievements and efforts of volunteers involved in promoting multiculturalism within our communities.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the $500 grants to help with event or activity costs were awarded to groups such as the Geraldton-based Midwest African Association and broader groups operating throughout WA such as the Australian Red Cross, the Carers Association of WA Inc, Council on the Ageing WA Inc (COTA WA), St Vincent de Paul Society (WA) Inc, WA Deaf Society Inc, Western Australian Multicultural Association (WAMA Inc) and the Women's Health and Family Service among others which run programs for culturally diverse communities using volunteers. 

Mr Blayney said the Harmony Champions Program grants provided associations and organisations with the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those who volunteer their time to help create strong community groups and advance multicultural inclusiveness and participation.

Many of the events or activities to thank volunteers will be held in in the lead up to or during Harmony Week 2014 (March 15-21).

A State Government recognition event for nominated volunteers will be held during Harmony Week and the names of the volunteers or Harmony Champions will be displayed in an honour roll on the Office of Multicultural Interests’ website.