Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (11 880) My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and I ask: what assistance may be available to the Hume Interfaith Network youth ambassadors to assist them to continue their work in the Hume municipality, including in the electorate of Yuroke, as identified in the youth community connections project? The youth ambassadors presented to the Social Cohesion and Community Resilience Ministerial Taskforce on 8 September of this year and were thrilled that they were able to let the task force know about their community connections project and to share their vision and their concerns. This group of very keen and inspirational youth leaders do a great job working with multifaith youth in the Hume municipality, including in the electorate of Yuroke. I commend them for the work they do, and I know they will appreciate information from the minister as to what assistance may be available to assist them in continuing their work.

Response:

The youth ambassadors of the Hume Interfaith Network are a group of exceptional young people who are undertaking some very important work in Hume.

I would like to thank the youth ambassadors who presented to the 8 September meeting of the Social Cohesion and Community Resilience Ministerial Taskforce. Taskforce members were glad to be informed about the youth ambassadors’ work and appreciated having the opportunity to hear their views on social cohesion and community resilience.

My congratulations to the Hume City Council, who in August were awarded $60,000 over two years to support the Hume Interfaith Network, through the Community Harmony Grants Program 2016-17. The grant will enable the Network to undertake a range of initiatives, including youth initiatives, aimed at bringing people from different faiths and cultures together, and contribute to social cohesion in the wider Hume community.

In 2017 a range of grant programs will be available to enhance community participation, build capability and celebrate diversity. I recommend that you check for updated information regularly by visiting http://www.vic.gov.au/grants.