The NSW Government has announced a significant investment of $700,000 in two major initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and community resilience across the state.
Strengthening Community Support
The first initiative, ‘Safeguarding Social Cohesion’ workshops, will be delivered in partnership with local councils and community leaders. These free workshops aim to equip community workers with essential skills to support their communities during emergencies and collective trauma events. Participants will receive training in crisis communication and best practice psychosocial support.
Empowering Local Councils
The second initiative focuses on the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program. Now in its third round, the program has awarded seven NSW councils up to $110,000 each to implement projects that enhance social cohesion in their local areas.
The government recognizes the importance of supporting councils in fostering community connections and a sense of belonging. By working closely with councils, the government aims to leverage their expertise to deliver targeted programs that support resilience and social cohesion throughout NSW.
The workshops and grants program are representative of the government’s social cohesion efforts across the state. These initiatives aim to bring local communities together and ensure NSW continues to be a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and play.
Since its inception, the Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program has provided nearly $1.5 million in funding to 20 projects across NSW. Notable among these is Bega Valley Shire Council’s ‘Community Hall Odyssey,’ a volunteer-led project that revitalized 18 community halls following devastating bushfires.
Funded Projects:
Ballina Shire Council: Awarded $110,000 to develop local emergency management knowledge and preparedness plans.
Bega Valley Shire Council: Received $50,000 for the ‘Housing Narratives – Voices from the thresholds’ project, which includes workshops on storytelling and public speaking to destigmatize homelessness and housing stress.
City of Canterbury Bankstown Council: Granted $68,000 for the ‘Socially Cohesive and Just CBCity’ program, which will develop a social justice charter and a social cohesion podcast.
Georges River Council: Secured $62,000 for the redesign of the Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s permanent exhibition to better reflect the region’s diverse history.
Lane Cove Council: Received $78,000 for the ‘Weaving Climate Stories’ program, which fosters intergenerational connections through climate change education.
Northern Beaches Council: Awarded $70,000 for the ‘We Belong – Intercultural Community Leaders Program’ to strengthen cross-cultural connections.
Waverley Council: Granted $62,000 for the ‘Culture Waves’ program, which engages young people in exploring and expressing their cultural narratives.
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