SUPPORTING MULTICULTURAL SENIORS IN NORTHCOTE

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 Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, today announced the following eighteen local organisations who are set to benefit with up to $2,000 in funding each year, for the next four years:

·       Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen's Association

·       Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen's Elderly Seniors Club Northcote

·       Australian Thornbury Pensioner's Club

·       Batman's Greek Elderly Womens Club Inc.

·       Centre of Greek Ex-Servicemen's Elderly Citizens Club of Darebin and Districts

·       Chrisokellaria Golden Age Society Melbourne

·       Fairfield Hellenic Senior Women & Partners

·       Greek Choir Parikia

·       Greek Democritus Workers League (Seniors Group)

·       Greek Elderly Citizens Club of Northcote

·       Greek Elderly Citizens of Thornbury Incorporated

·       Hellenic Stegi Friendly Elderly Citizens Club of Darebin

·       Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau INC

·       Italian Elderly Citizens Group Holy Spirit Thornbury Inc.

·       New United Villages of Florina Inc

·       Northcote Australian Greek Society Care of the Aged Inc.

·       Northern Region Indian Seniors Association of Victoria

·       Pankoaki Brotherhood of Melbourne & Victoria ("O Ippocrates") Association Incorporated (known as the "Kos Club")

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.

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“Northcote is proudly diverse, and we have a long history of celebrating cultural heritage through our multicultural seniors’ groups. I’m proud to be supporting these terrific multicultural organisations which do such an important job in bringing seniors in our community together to support each other.”

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.”