Councils across New South Wales will receive funding to develop local projects aimed at tackling racism, hate and discrimination under the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.
The NSW Government has allocated $800,000 to support 13 councils, including seven metropolitan and six regional councils, to work with residents on projects designed to strengthen community connections and improve social cohesion.
The grants will fund locally designed initiatives that reflect the needs of individual communities, with many councils using the funding to develop anti racism strategies and other long term programs intended to promote inclusion and reduce discrimination.
The announcement comes as governments and community organisations continue to examine ways to address racism and social division through education, community engagement and local partnerships.
According to the NSW Government, councils will consult with residents to better understand community experiences and develop responses that reflect local priorities.
Among the projects funded is Willoughby City Council’s Metro Connect initiative, which will bring together young people from council areas along the Metro line through guided activities aimed at addressing racism, misinformation and social division.
Lake Macquarie City Council will deliver its Everyone Belongs in Lake Macquarie program, providing accessible training across schools, the community sector and Council to help participants recognise, respond to and report racial discrimination.
Since the program began in 2021, the NSW Government has committed more than $2.7 million through the Social Cohesion Grants, supporting projects across 21 local government areas.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the state’s diversity should be viewed as a strength.
“Our communities are made stronger by our diverse faiths, backgrounds and cultures. It’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure our differences are respected and seen as the strengths that they are,” he said.
“No one should be made to feel like they do not belong in our state.”
He said the council led projects would encourage residents to have a voice in shaping stronger and more connected neighbourhoods.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said councils were well placed to lead initiatives that respond to local issues.
“Strong communities are built through respect, inclusion and participation. Councils play an important role in bringing people together and helping create places where everyone feels they belong,” he said.
He said local government understood the needs of its communities and could work with residents and community organisations to develop practical responses before division takes hold.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the council remained committed to maintaining an inclusive city.
“Our ‘Everyone Belongs in Lake Macquarie’ program will deliver training across schools, the community sector and Council to build skills and confidence to respond to racial discrimination,” he said.
“By listening to our community and building understanding, we can strengthen connection and create a more inclusive Lake Macquarie.”
Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said young people would play a leading role in building stronger relationships between communities.
“By creating opportunities for young people from Canterbury Bankstown and Willoughby to meet, learn from one another, share experiences and develop new friendships, the project will help build connections across our region,” she said.
She said bringing young people together would help challenge misconceptions, encourage understanding and foster a stronger sense of belonging.
The latest funding round reflects an ongoing focus on community led approaches to preventing discrimination. While individual councils will deliver different projects, each has been designed to encourage participation, strengthen trust between communities and promote inclusion at a local level.
A full list of the successful councils and funded projects is available on the NSW Government website.
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