The Dubbo region is home to people from a rich array of cultural backgrounds, and two groups devoted to celebrating that diversity have received a very welcome boost from the NSW Government.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $3456 for the Bangladeshi Community (BCID) in Dubbo for the purchase of marquees, chairs, tables and speakers to facilitate events.
Mr Saunders also announced $3,100 for the Orana Residents of Indian Sub-Continental Heritage Inc (ORISCON) to equip the office in their new hall, and purchase furniture and equipment for use at their events.
“These two volunteer-driven community organisations play a crucial role in welcoming new migrants into our community, and making them feel at home,” Mr Saunders said.
ORISCON chairperson Mano Manorathan said the funding is a much-needed boost for the group’s volunteers, after COVID disrupted a lot of this year’s cultural, sporting and health initiatives.
“Now we can round up our people, do a bit of planning, a bit of marketing and help our volunteers to focus a bit more on next year’s activities,” Mr Manorathan said.
BCID community spokesperson Shibli Chowdhury said the funding means the group will no longer have to hire equipment for the information and welcome events it hosts.
“Most of the migrants are coming from big cities so when we do our events we help integrate them into our society, and they feel like they’re being welcomed home,’ he said.