Community organisations across New South Wales now have the opportunity to secure up to $200,000 per year for programs designed to counter hate, racism, and division under the Community Partnership Action (COMPACT) Program. This funding, available over a span of two to four years, aims to foster social cohesion by empowering young people aged 12-30 to become champions of peace and harmony.
COMPACT has already seen over 80,000 young people participate in youth-led solutions, reinforcing the program’s impact on social cohesion. The initiative supports a wide range of partnerships, including community, non-government, youth, sports, arts/media, educational, and industry organisations. By offering grant funding for innovative, evidence-based community projects, COMPACT encourages collaboration and unity.
The inspiration for COMPACT came from the collective response of NSW residents to the Martin Place siege in 2014. Since its inception, the program has adapted to various challenges to social cohesion, pioneering a resilience-building approach that involves the entire society. This independent evaluation highlights COMPACT as a unique initiative dedicated to fostering unity and resilience.
Grant applications are open until 3 pm on 29 August 2024. Interested organisations can find more details on the Multicultural NSW website.
Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Chairperson Nick Kaldas APM emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “There is no place in our society for hate, racism, or religious intolerance. But knowing how to respond is a skill that people can learn. The COMPACT program uses proven techniques to do that, while empowering young people to stand up for what is right.”
Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW, reflected on the program’s impact, saying, “Over the past decade, we’ve worked with thousands of people across NSW to encourage understanding, compassion, and social cohesion. It is through powerful programs like COMPACT that we can continue to work in partnership with community organisations to support these values in future generations.”
COMPACT continues to be a beacon of hope and unity, inviting community organisations to join in building a more inclusive and harmonious society.
For more information visit the Multicultural NSW website here.
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