By NICOLE VALICEK
HOBSONS BAY residents from migrant and refugee backgrounds will benefit thanks to a funding announcement that will mean more resources for those in need.
Last week the Altona Hobsons Bay Salvation Army was awarded $6800 from the Rudd Labor Government’s Building Multicultural Communities Program.
Salvation Army social programs secretary Jenny Begent said they had seen an increase in asylum seekers in the area looking for basic necessities like food and household items.
Ms Begent said as such the organisation’s support and resources had become stretched, which was why the grant would be used to assist those people more effectively.
“People are finding themselves unable to manage on less than the Newstart allowance – it’s not just limited to the Altona area, it’s happening right across our services and right across the Melbourne CBA,” she said.
She said the grant would be used for both material needs like food, clothing and household items.
“It will also be used we hope in terms of opening up volunteer opportunities for people to contribute back to the community.”
She said the grant was incredibly important and meant the Salvation Army could continue a certain level of support.
“It’s incredibly important we have resources that we earmark to support everyone who experiences poverty, whether or not they’re asylum seekers.”
The grant forms part of the Rudd Government’s $15 million Building Multicultural Communities Programs, which will strengthen social cohesion and promote inclusions in diverse communities.
“Australia’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that is why the Rudd Government is proud to support organisations that promote cohesion and inclusiveness,” Labor Candidate for Gellibrand Tim Watts said.
“Melbourne’s West is a great example of modern multiculturalism and I know that all of these groups that received funding will use it to enrich our community.”
