Seven community networks working to strengthen connections and opportunities in Mt Druitt will receive support to increase their impact through new place-based grants from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
The networks, each made up of three or more organisations, seek to drive positive change for local children, families and/or young people, with a focus on supporting the First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in this area of western Sydney.
The $4.2 million in grant funding will help bolster their efforts in areas like breaking down barriers to education and employment for young people, fostering community art projects, resident-led advocacy, and increasing connectivity and opportunities for First Nations people.
PRF Chief Alliances Officer Liz Yeo said the grant program was designed to strengthen the collaborative efforts of community organisations, as they often provide the vital connective tissue required to achieve positive social change for people and places.
“As a place rich in cultural diversity, Mt Druitt has many examples of exceptional local leaders working together to achieve better outcomes for the people who live there,” Yeo said. “We’re delighted to partner with these community networks that are deeply embedded in Mt Druitt to support their efforts to build community connectedness and drive positive impact.”
Meanwhile, for Councillor Brad Bunting, Mayor of Blacktown City, Mt Druitt is home to some of the most resilient and culturally diverse communities in Australia.
“This funding recognises the strength that already exists here, in our local leaders, our organisations and our young people and gives them the support they need to go even further. Council is proud to be working alongside the Paul Ramsay Foundation and our community partners to back the networks that are driving real, lasting change,” Bunting said.
Each network will receive grant funding of $600,000 over three years. The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) will partner with the networks and PRF, acting as a neutral convenor to support annual gatherings of the networks as well as to foster conversation and collaboration.
Yeo said funding networks was a new way of working for PRF, which brings with it a learning opportunity.
“This approach will provide opportunities for PRF to learn how to successfully work with and support communities by strengthening existing community connections and enabling communities to imagine and lead their futures,” she said.
Further details on the networks follow:
| Strengthening Mt Druitt Community Networks Program: grant recipients | |
Safer Communities Network
| The Safer Communities network primarily serves young people facing educational and employment barriers and families managing the complexities of social isolation, cultural integration and economic challenges. It provides culturally sensitive, inclusive programs that celebrate diversity and foster a strong sense of belonging. |
Together in 2770
| Together in 2770 is a collective impact initiative focusing on resident-led change. It represents a united voice to advocate for more equitable services to the outer suburbs of 2770, especially on transport, housing and infrastructure. |
Culture Collective
| The Culture Collective builds connection to culture by strengthening relationships in the community and promoting storytelling to foster community pride and wellbeing. |
FUNPARK
| FUNPARK is an ongoing art program with some specific events led by young people to build confidence, agency and power share with young people to drive change in Mt Druitt. It has been operating for nearly a decade. |
Mounty Aboriginal Youth and Community Network
| This network prioritises supporting young people (particularly First Nations peoples in contact with the justice system) in leading meaningful change. This includes establishing an Aboriginal-controlled youth service in Mt Druitt and protecting young people from harmful systems by advocating for improvements. |
Mount Druitt and District Reconciliation Group
| This network works to develop a culture of empathy and understanding that starts to bring healing to First Nations peoples, as well as develop a culture of appreciation for First Nations culture. They promote truth-telling by providing opportunities for First Nations peoples to tell their stories. They advocate with and alongside First Nations peoples to remove barriers that create systemic injustices. They promote the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples. |
2770 Indigenous Community Excellence Network
| This network provides education and employment pathways for First Nations young people through connection to culture. |
Read also: 2 First Nations-led organisations to get up to $200K in CommBank grants
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
Trending
Popular
