The group behind Dubbo’s annual Cross-Cultural Carnival will soon have a place to call home, Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said.
Mr Saunders has today announced Orana Residents of Indian Sub-Continental Heritage (ORISCON Inc) is the successful recipient of a Community Building Partnerships (CBP) grant to renovate a premises on White Street which they will be leasing.
ORISCON has secured $25,000 to refurbish and refit the building to accommodate its office and storage space, and the ability to host community meetings.
“ORISCON does a terrific job helping people who have moved to Dubbo from a wide range of place, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam,’ Mr Saunders said.
“During my campaign the group approached me for assistance in finding a building it could make its own, where new arrivals to Dubbo could attend language classes, seek support and just find like-minded people to share their cultural food, music and dance with.
“The White Street building wasn’t quite up to scratch, but with this funding ORISCON will be able to make it a useful and welcoming place for community members.”
ORISCON Chairperson Mano Manorathan said the group was “delighted” by the news, and very keen to get into the building once COVID-19 restrictions allowed.
“We had been waiting to get some office space so it’s good news, and also good news for the community, having a place to meet and carry out our community events and meetings,” Mr Manorathan said.
“We thank Dugald. His support for ORISCON is very much appreciated.”