20/11/06
Citizenship and
Multicultural Interests Minister Tony McRae has approved grants to
community-based organisations under the Western Australian Inclusion and
Integration Grants Program.
The Leeuwin Ocean
Adventure Foundation, Fremantle, will receive $15,000 for Youth Scholarships for
72 participants to work in a team with young people from a range of backgrounds
and learn to support each other to achieve team and personal goals.
The program aims to break down barriers of
social isolation experienced by these young people and provide opportunities for
developing friendships and building social networks.
The participants will develop a sense of belonging within the
‘Leeuwin family’ and be able to enjoy an ongoing relationship with Leeuwin by
taking part in additional training and social activities organised by the
foundation and join in other voyages as volunteer crew.
“I am pleased the project will provide opportunities for youth from
at-risk or marginalised communities to take part in leadership voyages on board
the tall ship Leeuwin II,” Mr McRae said.
“The
scholarships will provide a wonderful and unique environment for the development
not only of leadership skills but also, importantly, a sense of belonging within
the WA community.
“The integration of the planned
cultural awareness workshops in future Leeuwin voyages will contribute greatly
to the ongoing impact of the initiative.”
The
Grants Program is one of the key initiatives flowing from the Inclusion and
Integration Action Plan approved by Cabinet in 2005 and was developed in
recognition of the need for broad-scale change to address exclusion and social
alienation of some members of religious and ethnic minorities, particularly
those from new and emerging communities.
The
grants will support community organisations with new plans, or building on
existing ones promoting integration, inclusion and active participation of
minority groups in all walks of life.
“I am
confident the projects will produce terrific results, as they involve
partnerships and collaboration between community organisations and the
non-Government sector, will facilitate interaction between minority groups and
the broader community and promote active citizenship among minority
communities,” the Minister said.
“In approving
these grants, a strong emphasis has been placed on innovative projects for young
people and those designed to remove structural and other barriers to
participation, particularly of new and emerging
communities.”
The next round of grants will be
announced in early 2007 and the Office of Multicultural Interests will continue
to work with community groups to develop their project ideas and assist them in
the application process.
Minister's office - 9213
7150
