$104,000 to support culturally and linguistically diverse families in Launceston

Culturally and linguistically diverse families in Launceston will benefit from a funding boost of more than $104,000 for the Migrant Resource Centre (Northern Tasmania).

During a visit to the Centre today, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, and Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell, announced the funding would be provided for 12 months, as part of the Australian Government’s Community Investment Program.

The Centre provides a range of services such as immigration advice and assistance in finding accommodation, as well as childcare services, via the Centre’s Childcare Centre at Mowbray.

Ms Stephens said the funding would enable the Centre to support families from non-English speaking backgrounds who have settled in north and north-west Tasmania.

“The funding will allow the Centre to help culturally and linguistically diverse families access local services such as child health and educational facilities,” Senator Stephens said.

Ms Campbell said the funding boost would help the Migrant Resource Centre continue their great work in assisting migrants and refugees in the Launceston community.

“It will also allow the Centre to host community groups on parenting and family relationships, to enable families to gain a better understanding of Australian cultural practices,” Ms Campbell said.

Some 221 non-profit organisations around Australia will share in $19.6 million under the Community Investment Program in 2010-11 to address disadvantage and respond to community needs.