The Cook Island Community Services Victoria will receive a $30,000 grant as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Priority Response to Multicultural Communities during coronavirus (COVID-19) program.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP, recently met with leaders of the organisation to discuss the funding which allows community groups to continue their important work of delivering emergency food relief and support through food hampers, freshly cooked meals, groceries and essential items to those in need.
The funding comes at a critical time as members of the community come together to assist many who are struggling with the hardships of the global pandemic.
Cook Island Community Services Victoria will continue to provide assistance to the community and they plan to utilise the grant to maximise their output.
The grants program has allowed for the building of stronger partnerships across the Victorian multicultural sector and has furthered the capacity of local community networks, organisations and services to offer support to those struggling and the disadvantaged.
The program supports multicultural and multifaith communities by funding organisations to address COVID-19 risk factors and vulnerabilities, particularly in communities who may have been directly impacted by the pandemic.
The State Government has funded more than 320 community organisations through the program to provide emergency relief, food support and community outreach, as well as targeted communication through translated materials and community-led health messages.
Almost $23 million has already been invested through the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities during Coronavirus program since it began in August last year, which has to date provided support to more than 500,000 Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP:
“I thank Cook Island Community Services Victoria for all of their hard work in delivering meals and essential care to those struggling during what has been a very challenging year.”
“Since the start of the global pandemic we have seen community helping community through tough times. Food relief services, charity groups, and non-profit organisations have been essential in providing support on the ground.”
“I know that Cook Island Community Services Victoria and all the other local support services will continue making life a little bit easier for those locals in need during the pandemic and beyond.”