ALISON BYRNES MP
MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $5 million to support the establishment of a new Regional Multicultural Community Centre in the Illawarra, backing the vital work of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI).
This election commitment will support the new Centre that will be a hub for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, providing dedicated shared community-use facilities for social connection, training, service delivery, education, and community events.
The Illawarra is home to more than 60 multicultural community groups, many of which struggle to find suitable venues to host cultural festivals and community events. The new Centre will address this longstanding gap and allow these celebrations to happen right here in our region.
The project responds to the growing need for inclusive infrastructure to support the expanding multicultural population across the region, ensuring that communities have the resources, support and recognition they deserve.
The Centre will be developed by MCCI, an organisation with 50 years of experience working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, seniors, and young people across the region.
It will deliver a welcoming, accessible and culturally appropriate space to foster community connection, celebrate diversity, and deliver key programs for multicultural residents of all ages.
This investment reflects the Albanese Labor Government’s strong commitment to multiculturalism, inclusion, and regional development.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:
“This $5 million commitment is about investing in the cultural and social fabric of the Illawarra and supporting the incredible work of MCCI.
“Our region has been shaped by generations of migration, and this new Centre will be a place for people from all backgrounds to come together, access support, celebrate their identity, and share their cultures, traditions, art and food.
“The Illawarra is proudly multicultural, and this Centre will ensure that our diversity continues to be our strength.
“Our community deserves a dedicated space to celebrate cultural events locally, and MCCI has proactively developed a shared-use solution that prevents the need for numerous individual projects while ensuring that all multicultural groups in the region have access to appropriate facilities.
“This funding commitment will ensure MCCI can continue to grow and deliver vital services in a space that reflects the needs and pride of the community it serves.”
Quotes attributable to Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra CEO, Chris Lacey:
“This announcement is a game-changing generational investment for Illawarra’s multicultural communities.
“With this $5 million commitment from a re-elected Albanese Labor Government, we will be able to create a permanent home for multiculturalism in the Illawarra.
“The Centre will be a vibrant hub that celebrates diversity, supports inclusion, helps the many volunteer-run diaspora associations we support, and delivers services to help individuals and families feel a strong sense of belonging.
“It will allow us to better serve our region and create a lasting legacy for future generations of multicultural communities.”
