The Victorian Government is continuing to support seniors from multicultural backgrounds to stay connected to culture and community through grants to help community groups keep activities running.

Member for Clarinda, Meng Heang Tak today announced the following 36 local organisations who are set to benefit with up to $2000 in funding each year, for the next four years:

• Agia Trias Society Incorporated
• Aspendale Gardens Senior Citizens of Kingston Inc.
• Avellino Circolo Pensioners of Springvale Inc
• Bhakti Tarang Seniors
• Brotherhood of Hrysohorafa
• Burgher Association Australia Inc
• Chinese Seniors Friendship Group
• Circolo Pensionati Campani Italiano Di Clayton
• Circolo Pensionati Italiani Di Oakleigh Clayton
• Clarinda Greek Seniors Citizens Club
• Clarinda Seniors Social Group
• Clayton Chinese Seniors Association Inc.
• Clayton Mandarin Friendship Association Inc
• Cosenza Senior Citizens of Kingston INC
• Cyprian Community of the Southern Suburbs of Melbourne Senior Citizens Club
• Golden Flower Chinese Friendship Association Incorporated
• Greek Elderly Citizens of Clayton and Districts
• Greek Orthodox Parish of “St Athanasios” Springvale, Senior Citizens Group
• Hellenic Community of the City of Moorabbin Ltd
• Indian Arts Academy
• Italian Senior Citizens of Kingston La Baracca Inc.
• Italian Social Club City of Moorabbin Inc.
• Kingston Chinese Senior Citizens Club Inc.
• La Voz Feminina
• Pilipino Elderly Association of South East Region (PEASER)
• Senior Citizens Group of Heatherton Inc.
• Spanish Speaking Senior Citizens Club of Clayton
• Springvale Italian Senior Citizen Club
• Springvale Senior Citizens Club
• St John’s Lutheran Parish Springvale
• St Paul’s South Eastern Suburbs Maltese Seniors Association Inc
• The Spanish Speaking Friendship Club of Springvale
• Unified Filipino Elderly Association
• Valguarnera Italian Social Club
• Victoria Malayalee Seniors Association Inc.
• Vietnamese Australian Senior Association

These are some of more than 900 multicultural seniors’ organisations to share in $7.4 million over the next four years to support the delivery of in-person and digital activities.

The grants help to cover running costs for social and cultural activities and the purchase of equipment, as well as the development of remote and in-person support programs to build stronger community connections.

Organisations will also receive public liability insurance and group personal accident insurance to provide coverage for members and volunteers delivering programs and activities – removing a potentially significant cost for these local community groups.

The funding recognises the challenges the pandemic has presented for multicultural seniors’ communities, and the importance of social and cultural connections for maintaining resilience in difficult times.

The Government also encourages newly established multicultural seniors’ groups or those that did not receive a direct funding offer to apply online through the Multicultural Seniors Support program. Applications close 28 February 2025. For more information or to apply, visit: vic.gov.au/multicultural-seniors-support.

The funding is in addition to over $2.1 million allocated through the CALD Communities Taskforce to ensure multicultural seniors groups are equipped to continue supporting their members through the pandemic.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence

“It’s vital seniors can reconnect with their communities as we ease restrictions – whether through morning teas, gardening clubs or cultural events.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers James Merlino

“Remaining connected to culture as we get older is critical for keeping up mental and physical health – and we’re proud to support Victoria’s multicultural seniors with a strong sense of community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Clarinda, Meng Heang Tak

“We are proud to be backing these terrific grassroots organisations which do such an important job in bringing seniors in our community together to support each other.”