Cardinia Council said it welcomes an election commitment from La Trobe MP Jason Wood for $12.5 million towards a local multicultural and community hub.
The hub would offer rooms and spaces for communities from different cultural backgrounds, with spaces for meetings, activities and outdoor areas.
Mayor Jeff Springfield said it is an important local community project.
As one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, it’s imperative all levels of government work together to deliver what we need,” he said.
“Cardinia Shire is one of the top three municipalities in Melbourne experiencing the largest percentage increase in new communities from non-English speaking countries.”
The project previously received $350,000 of funding from the Federal Government’s community development grants program for a feasibility study.
Mr Springfield said the need for a multicultural hub was clear.
“The development of an integrated, intercultural hub would allow new residents from a range of backgrounds, cultures and faiths to connect to relevant social, education and support opportunities, greatly assisting in their settlement within the shire,” he said.
“Previous engagement with our multicultural community has identified key challenges such as a lack of multicultural support and education services and a need for accessible and affordable venues for socialisation, education and community events.”
