Grants to help seniors
Recognising the need for our elderly to stay connected after a challenging 18 months, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence announced that more than 900 organisations will share in $7.4 million over the next four years.
TO keep our elders motivated, moving and mingling, the Victorian government has served up an additional round of community grants to multicultural groups, including a number of Jewish organisations, who have been supporting seniors throughout the pandemic.
Recognising the need for our elderly to stay connected after a challenging 18 months, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence announced that more than 900 organisations will share in $7.4 million over the next four years.
This means that organisations such as Jewish Care, the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library, and National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Vic) community services, could receive up to $2000 per year to assist them with the delivery of in-person and digital activities, including social and cultural activities and the purchase of equipment.
Jewish Care CEO Bill Appleby, who thanked the state government for their “understanding of the importance of celebrating heritage, culture and traditions within a multicultural context”, said funds will go towards assisting the re-activation of Jewish Care’s Active Living Centres.
Noting the impact of the extensive lockdown on the emotional wellbeing of elders, he said, “Our ‘social and cultural connection centres’ have never been more important as we navigate our re-entry into our new post-COVID normal.”
Other organisations who have been offered the grant include the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia, South Caulfield Shule, Melbourne Hebrew Congregation seniors club, Yachad senior citizens club, Chabad on Carlisle – Jewish Russian Centre and the Sephardi Association of Australia.
Spence recognised the need to give back to the “Victorians who built our state”, commenting, “It’s vital seniors can reconnect with their communities as we ease restrictions – whether through morning teas, gardening clubs or cultural events.”
Organisations will also receive public liability insurance and group personal accident insurance to provide coverage for those delivering programs and activities.
The government is encouraging newly-established multicultural seniors’ groups or those who missed this round of grants to apply online.
For more information or to apply for a grant, visit www.vic.gov.au/multicultural-seniors-support-program.
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