Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (Question 7076) My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. The youth ambassadors for the Hume Interfaith Network Youth Community Connections Project team have been working with the diverse range of communities in Melbourne’s outer north, including in my electorate of Yuroke. They have subsequently produced a document entitled One Community, Many Faiths, which outlines opportunities to engage young people on issues of religion and faith. The network’s youth ambassadors in particular are eager to undertake further activities to promote social harmony, tolerance and inclusivity across Hume city. My question to the minister is: what funding opportunities may be available for the Hume Interfaith Network to expand their engagement of local youth in the Hume municipality including in the electorate of Yuroke?|

RESPONSE:

I understand that staff from the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship met with the Hume Interfaith Network and informed them about the following four grant programs:

• Multicultural Festivals and Events 2016-17
• Capacity Building and Participation Program 2016-17
• Community Infrastructure and Cultural Precincts Program 2016-17
• Community Harmony Program.

I also understand the Hume Interfaith Network was encouraged to submit an application.

The Community Resilience Grants are open for applications until 15 May 2016, and information on how to apply is available at www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/grants.Funding is available for projects that support and work with communities and young people to develop collaborative approaches to building resilience to hate and violent extremist narratives; and support and work with communities and young people at risk of violent extremism to develop their confidence and skills to advocate for their concerns and grievances through peaceful and democratic means.

Information about future multicultural funding rounds will be published athttp://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/grants.

The Victorian Government will shortly be seeking new members for the Multicultural Youth Network. I encourage the youth ambassadors from the Hume Interfaith Network to submit an expression of interest to help us engage with and understand the views and needs of young Victorians from diverse backgrounds.

The Hon. Robin Scott MP
Minister for Multicultural Affairs