The Tasmanian Government is working with the State’s multicultural communities to develop a strategy to address racism and support social cohesion in the community.
Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch said the strategy addresses three key areas – ‘we feel safe, we participate and we belong’.
“An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is delivering support for our communities by working together to build a stronger society, eliminating racism and celebrating diversity,” Minister Jaensch said.
“Tasmania is home to thousands of people from countries right across the world who enrich our communities.
“This week I joined with multicultural organisations including the Multicultural Centre of Tasmania, Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania and Welcome Cultural Services to participate in a working group that is developing the Multicultural Action Plan.”
The Minister said the Plan will look at strategies for fostering social inclusion and addressing racism, encouraging social, civic, education and economic participation; and ensuring community needs are recognised and met.
“One of the actions we have taken is to introduce the Social Cohesion Small Grants Program, which is providing $200,000 for projects that support social connection and a sense of belonging for migrant and refugee people and communities, in all regions of the State.”
There were 35 applications for the grants, which opened in July, with an announcement of the successful recipients expected soon, the Minister confirmed.
“The Tasmanian Government looks forward to seeing the outcomes of the successful projects and continuing to work closely with the multicultural community on the Multicultural Action Plan,” he said.
