The Victorian Government has opened expressions of interest for the development of an Indian Community Centre in Melbourne’s west, with up to $2.4 million in funding available to support the project’s infrastructure.
The Expression of Interest (EOI), announced by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, is seeking to identify a lead Indian community organisation that has both the capability and ambition to build and manage a purpose-designed community facility. The project is intended to serve the growing Indian population across western Melbourne suburbs, providing a dedicated space for cultural events, programs, and support services.
“The EOI is intended to identify a lead Indian community organisation that has suitable capability and wants to develop, build and manage an Indian community-specific community centre to be located in Melbourne’s west,” the announcement stated.
Applicants are expected to put forward a clear project outline in the first stage, including evidence of readiness and feasibility. The approach is structured in two stages, with the first focused on basic project plans and organisational capability.
The announcement clarifies that while the State Government has set clear principles for what the funding is aimed at, namely an Indian community centre in the west, the EOI has built-in flexibility in how the funding might be applied.
“If a suitable organisation can be identified, they will be offered up to $2.4 million in grant funding towards the infrastructure costs of the proposed project,” the announcement confirmed.
The process is being facilitated by the Multicultural Infrastructure and Strategic Projects team, who are available to meet with organisations and respond to questions. Community groups are encouraged to reach out via email to arrange a phone or online meeting.
EOI submissions opened on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, and will close at 3.00 pm on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. Interested organisations can access the full EOI guidelines and application details via the Victorian Government’s website.
Organisations are also encouraged to share the announcement widely within the Indian-Australian community.
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