Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, is encouraging local community organisations to apply for funding under a million-dollar Queensland Government program for projects to help migrants and refugees get jobs or to start and grow their own businesses.
Mrs Frecklington said that $1.05 million is available under the Economic Participation Grants Program which has now expanded to fund larger regional projects which promote economic participation and business development.
“In this round, there will be two levels of grants, firstly the Local Economic Participation Projects which are open to organisations anywhere in Queensland to apply for funding of up to $40,000.
“A second new category of Regional Economic Participation Projects will provide for a maximum grant of $150,000 per year for up to two years for projects to be delivered in several key regional areas, including Toowoomba,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This new regional focus is about sustaining growth and long-term settlement of migrants and refugees outside South-East Queensland which is a key ambition of the Queensland Plan – Queenslanders’ 30-year vision.”
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs, Glen Elmes, said funding for this round had been increased because of the success of the previous round which assisted 14 projects across Queensland with funding totalling $288,677.
“Those fourteen projects have helped overseas-born Queenslanders improve their employment potential through training, networking and the acquisition of basic skills,” Mr Elmes said.
“This increase in funding for projects starting in 2015 is testament to the Queensland Government’s commitment to support innovative projects which give people from culturally diverse backgrounds the opportunity to attain economic independence.
“Queensland reaps significant economic and social benefits both from its cultural diversity and through continuing migration. Through skills, knowledge, ingenuity and sheer effort, generations of migrants have been instrumental in developing our economy and enriching our social and cultural profile.
More information about the Economic Participation Grants Program is available at: www.datsima.qld.gov.au
