- Published:
- Saturday 15 September 2018
Local families and community organisations in the south-east will benefit from a new multipurpose Indian Community Centre to be built in Monash.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos today visited the Sankat Mochan Samiti Temple to announce $556,000 to kickstart the project, delivered as part of the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Program.
In honour of the Sankat Mochan Samiti’s 10-year anniversary, and to make sure the project becomes a reality, Premier Andrews committed to a further $500,000 towards the build, under a re-elected Labor Government.
The Centre will be used for events, festivals and activities including adult education programs, as well as providing a dedicated space for locals with Indian heritage to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.
The Sankat Mochan Samiti will lead the development of the Centre, with every Indian community group in Monash able to make use of the facility.
The Sankat Mochan Samiti has grown from a small group of volunteers into a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping those in need, including offering hot meals and helping newly arrived refugee families find their feet.
As part of its Victorian Budget 2018/19, the Andrews Labor Government delivered vital funding to improve facilities for local multicultural communities, including a $17.1 million boost to Multicultural Community Infrastructure Program.
As this announcement shows, only Labor recognises the vast contribution of our proud Indian communities and only Labor is willing to make the investments that really matter.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This investment will provide a dedicated space for Victorians of Indian heritage to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions with pride.”
“Labor believes we are stronger for our diversity – and is willing to make the investments to back it up.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
“Our local Indian organisations told us how important a new community centre was. We’ve listened.”
Quote attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“Every week, the Sankat Mochan Samiti’s volunteers provide a hot meal and a friendly face to hundreds of people in need. This investment will help them continue their vital work.”