The Minns Labor Government is investing in the next generation of community leaders, with seven new projects funded under the Multicultural NSW Community Partnership Action (COMPACT) Program.
A total of $1.2 million has been awarded to the seven projects involving 24 partner organisations across NSW, who will become part of the state-wide COMPACT Alliance dedicated to engaging with young people to build resilience.
Bringing young people together across cultures through respectful dialogue, sport, storytelling and art, the projects will build understanding, empathy, confidence and leadership skills.
Among the seven new projects taking place over the next two years are:
- Young Voices, Strong Communities, a school-based youth podcast and digital literacy program will engage students across South West NSW. Young people will produce podcasts on themes of community, belonging, culture and resilience while also building skills in cross-cultural storytelling, audio production and journalism.
- Peace of Mind, which empowers young people across Western Sydney with leadership skills to become peer facilitators of intercultural discussion groups.
- Project NOAH, a cross-cultural program that invites school and university students into the Jewish community to build an understanding of Jewish culture, values and traditions.
- Bachar Houli Foundation’s sport programs, will engage Muslim youth through AFL alongside coaches and mentors. The program creates opportunities for interschool competitions and pathways into traditional sports programs and community clubs.
Now in its tenth year, the COMPACT program has engaged more than 80,000 young people, and this investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a stronger, more cohesive multicultural NSW.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“It’s fantastic to see more community organisations joining the COMPACT program, backing more young people to become leaders and make a real difference in their communities.
“The Minns Labor Government knows that a strong, resilient NSW is built on understanding and respect between communities. These projects are helping shape the next generation of leaders who will carry that forward.”
Multicultural NSW Acting CEO James Jegasothy said:
“Over the last 10 years, COMPACT has equipped thousands of young people with the skills to lead with empathy and to take a stand against divisive forces.
“We welcome seven innovative new projects, bringing the COMPACT Alliance to 89 organisations working across NSW to connect communities across difference and empowering young people to shape the future of their communities and our multicultural society.”