By SAT News Desk
MELBOURNE, 26 March 2021: In a step to boost the pandemic devastated multicultural media outlets, the Labor Victorian government led by Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a $1.6 million Multicultural Media Stimulus Program.
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced the support of 48 multicultural media outlets as they recover from the impact the coronavirus pandemic had on their services.
These organisations have been critical in supporting Victoria’s multicultural communities over the past year – delivering up-to-date, culturally and linguistically appropriate health directions to all Victorians.
Organisations receiving extra funding include Neos Kosmos, a popular national Greek community newspaper, which will be able to re-engage freelance contributors to broaden their coverage, and G’day India – which will employ more staff to develop their existing website and better serve their readers.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence “While access to news in people’s own language has always been important, the past year has proven that our diverse media organisations can literally save lives reaching multicultural communities with critical information.”
“This investment will go a long way to creating an informed, supported, and connected community for every Victorian – no matter where they come from, or what language they speak.”
The next round of grants under the Multicultural Media Stimulus Program is also now open, with multicultural media outlets encouraged to apply for grants of up to $50,000. Funding can be used to support operating and production costs, equipment, or training to ensure Victoria’s rich and diverse multicultural media sector can continue to grow.
As the most multicultural state in Australia, Victoria has a long history of celebrating cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. Victorians come from more than 200 countries, speak 260 languages and follow 135 different faiths – and the Labor Government is ensuring this diversity is reflected in the media landscape.
Applications for current funding close at 4 pm on Monday 26 April. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.vic.gov.au/multicultural-media-stimulus-program.
