HON MARK DREYFUS KC MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ISAACS
HON JULIAN HILL MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BRUCE
CASSANDRA FERNANDO MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HOLT
Supporting Melbourne’s south-east multicultural communities
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $1.85 million across two election commitments to support multicultural communities in south-east Melbourne.
The first election commitment will provide $1.25 million to the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) to fit-out its new fit-for-purpose headquarters in south-east Melbourne.
For over 30 years, the SMRC has been a trusted organisation providing in-language social, economic and well-being programs to new migrants across Melbourne’s south-east.
This investment will provide a hub for operations to support staff and volunteers throughout the Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, Kingston, and Monash Local Government Areas.
The second election commitment will provide the Centre for Multicultural Youth with $600,000 to work with young community leaders, the City of Casey and City of Greater Dandenong councils and the Victorian Government to help realise the Multicultural Youth Hub proposal.
This vital hub is planned to be a physical space to support young Australians of all backgrounds to access youth services and connect with their peers and the wider community. This commitment will ensure the project meets the needs of the community, consulting councils and communities closely to move it from an idea to a fully developed proposal with an operating and funding model.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Isaacs, Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP:
“Isaacs is part of the most wonderful, culturally diverse community in Australia.
“We are proud that we have so many people from so many lands sharing our home, making it such a vibrant place to live.
“With this contribution, the Albanese Labor Government will ensure the SMRC has the permanent home it deserves, so it can continue to support our community.
“We will also begin the work needed to create a Multicultural Youth Hub in south-east Melbourne, where youth of all backgrounds can come together.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bruce, Hon Julian Hill MP:
“Just being a diverse society is not the same thing as being a successful multicultural society. Success requires leadership as well as investments to connect people and help them settle into life in Australia.
“Yet for a decade in office the Liberal Party screwed over Victoria and south-east Melbourne, neglecting the needs of our growing community.
“If the Albanese Labor Government is re-elected, the SMRC can proceed with confidence to purchase its new, permanent home and save money on rent which it can reinvest in community supports, knowing the Commonwealth will help with the fit-out.
“For years community leaders have talked about the need for a Multicultural Youth Hub in south-east Melbourne, where young people can come together, whatever their ethnicity, faith or identity, whether they’re born here or moved here. But until now no one has done the hard work of bringing governments and leaders together to make it happen.
“This investment will help to turn this great idea into reality, developing an operating and funding model and examining successful models in Australia and overseas.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Holt, Cassandra Fernando MP:
“As someone who grew up as a young migrant in Melbourne’s south-east, I know firsthand how important it is to have strong community organisations that provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
“The Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre has been doing exactly that for over 30 years, and this investment will ensure it can continue its vital work for generations to come.
“Labor has always delivered for our multicultural communities because we know that a strong, inclusive society doesn’t happen by chance—it takes investment and commitment.”
Tuesday, 8 April 2025
