By YASEMIN TALAT
GELLIBRAND residents from migrant and refugee backgrounds are reaping the benefits of the Labor Government’s Building Multicultural Communities Program, which saw 13 community groups receive grants.
The Polish Sporting Recreation and Community Association, better known as the Albion Polish Club, was among the grant recipients.
President of the club Andrew Korab said he was very grateful for the $160,000 grant.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, we got this money from the government, and for me it’s a clear indication that the idea of multicultural Australia is alive and well,” Mr Korab said.
“We are very grateful, we’ve never received a grant of this sort and we really needed this money,” he said.
“It’s like wining TattsLotto!”
The grant will be used to fit out the existing kitchen, improve facilities for disabled club members and upgrade the toilets.
“Nowadays to do a thing like rebuild toilets costs a lot of money and we would not be able to do that without the help of the government,” Mr Korab said.
The club, which was built 20 years ago by volunteers, relies on funds from their restaurant which is open six days a week at the venue.
“We are very proud of our club – it’s like a professional football club and we don’t use any pokies or any other income other than our restaurant,” Mr Korab said.
“The aim of our club is to give our younger children an opportunity to be somewhere where the Polish language can be spoken,” Mr Korab said.
The seven hectares of land compromises clubrooms, two halls, a kitchen, restaurant and two soccer fields.
The facility is used by the Polish community and is home to the Western Eagles Soccer Club, as well as a Saturday school and is also used by other community groups.
Labor Candidate for Gellibrand, Tim Watts, visited the club last week to congratulate its members.
“Melbourne’s West is a great example of modern multiculturalism and I know all of these groups that received funding will use it enrich our community,” he said.
Mr Karob said everyone was welcome at the club to try authentic Polish food.
