Equipment funding will boost support for local migrants
The Murraylands Multicultural Network has received $7880 to improve the quality of their workspace, and Tailem Bend Community Centre was also funded.
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Two local community groups have been on the receiving end of the latest round of the state government's Social Impact grants.
The Murraylands Multicultural Network was one of 54 innovative applicants to receive funding in SA.
The network is a volunteer organisation under the auspice of the Murraylands Migrant Resource Centre (MMRC).
Its role is to support the MMRC in raising funds through activities, which enables them to provide program such as a seniors' group and children's school holiday programs.
They will be using their grant of $7880 to update their office equipment including new desks, cupboards and a zoom meeting set up.
Heather Muirhead, manager at MMRC, said the upgrades would improve the quality and accessibility of community meetings, workshops and events, creating a more welcoming and well-equipped space for members to gather, share experiences and build connections.
If a member couldn't attend a meeting or if a trainer can't come down from Adelaide, at least Zoom was there as an option, she said.
"They'll be able to store everything properly and the new desks fold on themselves for easy moving," she said.
"Part of the funding also goes towards the seniors group.
"It will just make life easier ... and make the groups more professional."
A sense of community support was crucial for the emotional wellbeing of migrants and refugees, who may face unique challenges in new environments, she said.
Noel Blythe, chair of the multicultural network, said all the equipment would be sourced locally to help support locals doing it tough with the current living crisis.
"It's great for the economy within the Murraylands," he said.
The equipment should be installed within the next month after payments are finalised.
The network's next fundraising event will be a Bunnings sausage sizzle on Australia Day, January 26.
In the coming months the organisation will soon be all hands on deck with their annual multicultural festival held in early March.
"We're always looking for more volunteers," Ms Muirhead said.
"We strongly encourage local migrants to join, but also anyone interested in festivals, teaching English, helping with senior and school holiday program."
- More information: Visit the centre at 5 Second Street, Murray Bridge, call Noel Blythe on 0421 083 533 or email noelkblythe@gmail.com.
Comfort is key for Tailem Bend community
The Tailem Bend Community Centre was also among the funding recipients, receiving $9018 for chairs for the comfort of their community.
The funding will aim to create positive social change and advancing wellbeing, particularly those experiencing socio-economic challenges or vulnerabilities.
Nat Cook, state Minister for Human Services, said by investing in these projects the government was investing in communities.
"Grants like these can be a lifeline, providing much needed tools and resources to address local challenges, meet local needs, and build stronger communities," she said.
More than $1 million in funding has been awarded to grassroots community groups and organisations through the Grants SA 2024-25 Social Impact Grants program.
"Every dollar spent now is an investment in the future of our community," Ms Cook said.
"Big or small, these are projects that matter ... projects that make a difference to local communities and pay dividends far above and beyond the dollar value of the grant itself."
The funded projects include infrastructure upgrades, mentoring programs and resources to strengthen community hubs.
