Local councils across New South Wales are being invited to apply for funding aimed at tackling racism and strengthening community connection, as the state government opens the latest round of its Social Cohesion Grants program.
The initiative, run by the NSW Government, will distribute $800,000 to councils that want to develop local anti-racism strategies and other community-focused plans over the next two years. The funding round is part of an ongoing program that has supported local government efforts to address social division and improve community relations.
Over the past five years, the program has provided close to $2 million to 21 councils across the state. Those grants have supported projects designed to respond to local concerns around discrimination, community tension and cultural inclusion. The current round continues that approach, with councils encouraged to work directly with residents to shape practical responses suited to their areas.
Government officials say the aim is to give local authorities the tools to respond to issues that often emerge at the community level. Councils are expected to consult residents, community organisations and local groups to better understand experiences of discrimination and barriers to participation in civic life.
The resulting strategies are expected to provide clear plans for preventing discriminatory behaviour, encouraging community participation and building stronger relationships between residents from different backgrounds.
The funding announcement comes at a time when public debate around racism and community division has gained renewed attention. Authorities have pointed to recent events and growing concern about hostile rhetoric online and in public spaces as reasons to maintain a strong focus on social cohesion.
Supporters of the program say local government is well placed to lead these efforts because councils have direct contact with communities through services, events and public spaces. They often act as a first point of contact when residents raise concerns about discrimination or community tension.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the government wants to strengthen the role of local communities in shaping responses to these issues.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in our local communities and building on expertise from those who live and work in these communities,” he said.
Kamper said governments and communities should remain vigilant in confronting hate and division.
“We must be doing everything in our power to stamp out hatred and unite, first and foremost, as fellow Australians,” he said.
Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig said councils play a central role in bringing communities together.
“Communities are strongest when people feel connected to each other and to the place they live,” he said.
Hoenig noted that councils regularly engage with residents through local programmes and services, placing them in a strong position to understand local concerns.
“Local government sits closest to the community. These grants will help councils work with residents to understand their experiences, address racism and discrimination, and develop practical local strategies that strengthen inclusion and trust,” he said.
Previous projects funded through the program have included community consultation initiatives, cultural awareness campaigns, youth engagement activities and the development of formal anti-racism policies. Some councils have also used the funding to improve reporting processes for discrimination and to run workshops that encourage respectful dialogue among residents.
Advocates for multicultural organisations often stress that social cohesion depends on consistent engagement rather than short-term responses. Programs led by local government can provide spaces where residents discuss concerns, share experiences and develop solutions together.
Critics of grant-based initiatives sometimes question whether short-term funding can bring lasting change. Policy experts often note that strategies must be supported by ongoing engagement and clear accountability measures if they are to influence behaviour in the long term. Others argue that local consultation can uncover issues that might otherwise remain hidden.
The government says the program aims to support councils in building those longer-term frameworks rather than funding one-off activities. Strategies developed through the grants are expected to guide council policies and programs over several years.
Under the new funding round, councils will be able to apply for support to research local issues, consult community groups and prepare formal strategies aimed at reducing racism and discrimination. Some councils may choose to focus on improving public awareness, while others may develop new partnerships with schools, community organisations or youth groups.
Applications are open now and councils have until 17 April to submit proposals. Projects supported through the program are expected to begin in 2026 and continue into 2027.
Government representatives say the next stage of the program will rely heavily on community input. Councils are encouraged to ensure residents have a direct role in shaping strategies so that the responses reflect local experiences rather than a single statewide model.
For communities across New South Wales, the funding represents another attempt to address tensions that can arise in diverse societies while encouraging cooperation and shared responsibility. Supporters say practical local action can help strengthen trust between neighbours and public institutions.
The NSW Government says councils interested in taking part should begin consultation with local groups as part of the application process. Officials hope the new round will expand the reach of the program and provide more communities with resources to address racism and discrimination at the local level.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
