Steve Kamper
Minister for Multiculturalism
Steve Whan MP
Member for Monaro
MEDIA RELEASE
$5M investment to make faith communities safer
Friday, 8 November 2024
Faith groups in Monaro are encouraged to apply for a share of $5M to make their places of worship and commemoration safer and more secure.
They will be able to apply for grants of $5,000 to $250,000 under the Safe Places for Faith Community Program which opened on Thursday, 7 November 2024.
The new grant round gives those who missed out in the previous funding round and new applicants a chance to apply for funding to be used anywhere in NSW at eligible faith-based centres including places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, religious community centres, religious retreats and places of religious significance.
The program takes a holistic approach to safety and security by supporting community preparedness, wellbeing and resilience, as well as more traditional protective security measures at places where faith communities gather.
An information session will be held online on Monday, 18 November 2024 at 4pm. To register for the information session email [email protected] by Friday 15 November.
To apply, visit Multicultural NSW. Applications close 3pm, Thursday 19 December 2024.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
"The NSW Government is proud of our reputation as a safe place for people to practice their faiths and come together without fear or harm.
"I encourage every eligible group across NSW to apply to assist them to maintain and improve the security of their sacred places so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees."
Steve Whan MP, Member for Monaro said:
"In Monaro we are fortunate to have such diversity of faith to showcase our vibrant multicultural community. It's one of our great strengths.
"Freedom of religious expression, and the safety to practice that is a key pillar of Australian culture.
"When we invest in areas of worship and commemoration, we are investing in future generations to ensure we can all continue to enjoy the freedom to practice faith without fear of harm."
