Released 08/08/2025
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, has announced the successful recipients of the 2024–25 Multicultural Inclusion Grants which support community-led initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen social cohesion across Canberra.
This year, nearly $140,000 in grant funding has been provided across 49 organisations. These grants will support significant cultural celebrations and community programs that promote inclusion, respond to racism and discrimination, and build stronger social connections.
Minister Pettersson said the grants reflect the ACT Government’s commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.
“These grants recognise the important work of community organisations in building a more connected and harmonious Canberra,” Minister Pettersson said.
“From vibrant performances and cultural festivals to educational workshops and community events, these initiatives bring people together and strengthen the rich diversity of our city.”
Among the successful applicants are:
- VolunteeringACT, which has received funding to translate materials and resources into 10 languages to promote the benefits of volunteering to people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Canberra.
- Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc, for its One Community, Collective Actions: STOP Racism initiative, which will address racism through education, dialogue, and community-driven initiatives.
- Initiatives for Women in Need Inc, which has received funding for a symposium to raise awareness of gender-based violence, racism and discriminations faced by women from multicultural backgrounds in the ACT while highlighting the role of culture in empowerment, inclusion, and resilience.
- YWCA Canberra, for its Connecting to Canberra Youth Program, which will promote a sense of connection, identity and inclusion amongst young people from multicultural backgrounds through activities aimed at increasing knowledge of the local community, services and systems.
Other funded initiatives include driving lessons for refugee and migrant women from Afghanistan; Harmony Day celebrations; a project that aims to prevent technology-facilitated abuse against women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and a multicultural Eid celebration, to name just a few.
The Multicultural Inclusion Grants Program prioritises projects that:
- Promote diversity, inclusion and social connection;
- Respond to racism and discrimination;
- Celebrate significant cultural days; and
- Improve access to services in culturally appropriate ways.
Quote attributable to Dr Nilofar Ebrahimi, President of ZamZam Foundation:
“ZamZam Foundation is so thrilled to have the opportunity to use these funds to help refugee and migrant women from Afghanistan learn to drive. As one participant said, ‘This support has not only helped the women learn driving skills but has also been a significant step toward their empowerment, self-sufficiency, and greater independence in a new society’. The ZamZam women will have much greater capacity to participate in the life of Canberra, including to seek employment. This is a great example of how government support can be life-changing for marginalised groups.
Quote attributable to Zakia Patel, Executive Director of the Multicultural Hub, Canberra & Queanbeyan:
“This grant will allow us the opportunity to support African young people with swimming lessons and enable them to learn crucial life saving skills. This program was initiated through consultation with African community leaders and will provide a safe and inclusive space for young people to engage and participate.”
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases