The Albanese Labor Government is investing $10.9 million to improve social and economic participation of vulnerable or at-risk groups across the nation.
This funding is available under the second round of Strong and Resilient Communities – Inclusive Communities Grants, which provides one-off funding for up to two years for projects to support young people aged 12-18 years, people with disability and mental health issues, vulnerable women or unemployed people.
A total of 32 organisations nationwide will share in the funding, each demonstrating a strong need for the project to be delivered in their communities.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the Government is proud to support projects that strengthen community connections, economic and social participation and increase self-reliance, wellbeing, and mental health.
“We know people experience disadvantage and vulnerability in all communities across Australia,” Minister Rishworth said.
“This funding is ultimately about creating safe and empowered communities, where people can access support services and activities, and engage with learning opportunities.
“These grants aim to provide holistic, on the ground support for people through community-driven solutions. We want to see people gain the confidence to be self-reliant, to empower them to participate within their communities.”
Over 1100 applications were received in this latest grant round. Successful applicants were chosen following a rigorous and independent selection process with 34 total grants awarded.
“Organisations from across Australia are being funded under this round, with projects across metropolitan, regional remote areas,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Each project is as innovative and exciting as the next – ranging from animal-assisted therapy, a campout festival for youth at risk of poor mental health, and tailored workshops for people looking to re-engage in education.
“Naturally, each project is different and calibrated towards the needs of their specific community.”
There are multiple projects across states and territories. The successful grants include:
- $719,300 for two projects to be delivered in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek by Saltbush Social Enterprises for unemployed people to increase economic participation through culturally appropriate and structured sessions to support participants overcoming mental health and social challenges (NT).
- $360,000 for the Australian Migrant Resource Centre to help boost economic participation, self-agency and empowerment for vulnerable women through training in aged care and/or disability care and supporting learning and employment pathways in Adelaide (SA).
- $340,000 for Big Hart Inc for First Nations youth aged 12-18 in outback Western Australia to help build belonging, inclusion and skills for social and economic participation, including through on country experiences with emerging Elders (WA).
- $360,000 for Circus Nexus to help increase physical fitness, independence and self-empowerment for people with disability and/or mental health issues through circus and theatre-based performance activities across Melbourne (VIC).
- $353,000 for Dress for Success Hobart to provide a network of support, professional clothing and practical career advice for participants in Launceston and the North and West of Tasmania (TAS).
- $325,600 for Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association for a program aimed to improve the fitness, wellbeing, resilience and confidence of women across Queensland who have experienced family and domestic violence through access to workshops, guest speakers and fitness classes (QLD).
- $360,000 for Bus Stop Films to help people with disability and/or mental health issues in Sydney and the Illawarra to gain employment pathways through access to film studies, including literacy supports, social and work readiness skills (NSW).
More information about the Strong and Resilient Communities program is available on the Department of Social Services website.