Faith communities across New South Wales, particularly in Parramatta, are being invited to apply for a share of a newly allocated $5 million fund aimed at enhancing security in places of worship and faith-based facilities. This initiative, part of the Safe Places for Faith Communities program, offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to support safety improvements, from structural fortifications to community-based resilience efforts.
The grant program, re-opening after a previous round, welcomes new applications and encourages those who missed out before to try again. Eligible locations across NSW include places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, and community centres associated with religious activities. The funds can be used for both physical security enhancements and broader safety measures designed to foster community preparedness and wellbeing.
An information session about the program will be hosted online on Monday, 18 November 2024, at 4 pm. Interested groups can register by emailing safeplacesgrants@multicultural.nsw.gov.au by Friday, 15 November. Applications close at 3 pm on Thursday, 19 December 2024, with details available on the Multicultural NSW grant portal.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, expressed pride in the initiative: “The NSW Government is proud of our reputation as a safe place for people to practice their faiths and come together without fear of harm.” Kamper’s message resonates with the program’s commitment to secure sacred spaces, allowing faith communities to gather in safety.
Echoing this sentiment, Parramatta MP Donna Davis highlighted the region’s diverse faith representation: “In Parramatta we are fortunate to have such diversity of faith that reflects our vibrant multicultural community. When we invest in places of worship and commemoration we are investing in future generations to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the freedom to practice their faith without fear of harm.”
This renewed grant round is set to provide crucial support, reinforcing NSW’s dedication to the safety and resilience of its multicultural faith communities.
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