An annual netball competition bringing together migrants from the Indian sub-continent is among the events to benefit from the NSW Government’s Stronger Together Grants program.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has announced $5000 for ORISCON Inc’s Rekindling Community and Family Fun Day, which has delivered inclusive activities for women and children for more than five years.
“The fun day includes a netball competition that builds confidence and self-esteem in our new migrants, and provides a friendly way to meet other women and for strong networks to form,” Mr Saunders said.
“These events and festivals are just what Dubbo needs to help celebrate our diverse communities and bring people together in family-friendly environments.
“While bringing people together they will also help break down barriers between cultures and build mutual understanding and respect of each other.”
Groups that applied for funding were awarded between $5,000 and $15,000 to host their events.
ORISCON chairperson Gargi Ganguly said the event has been codesigned with community, after many women reported they needed an outlet outside of the home.
A community netball competition runs each Sunday, culminating in the family fun day in November. Many of the players juggle court time with caring responsibilities, but this year, the funding will enable ORISCON to partner with other organisation to facilitate activities for the whole family, such as a traditional game of Kho Kho.
“We are really fortunate and humbled to receive this grant, to be able to hold this really fun event for the community,” Ms Ganguly said.
“Our friends are the family we choose for ourselves in a new country. A lot of us don’t have family here so we create one, and we create them through these events.
“Thank you to the NSW Government for enabling us in this way.”
Applications are now open for the NSW Government’s Stronger Together Project Grants. Applications close at 5pm Friday, 26 August. More information about the grants can be found at https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants