The Andrews Labor Government is supporting multicultural organisations to deliver essential community relief initiatives to ensure diverse communities can continue recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks today attended the launch of the Food Hamper Project, which is led by Turbans 4 Australia who were funded through the Labor Government’s Priority Response to Multicultural Communities program.

Turbans 4 Australia received $20,000 to increase staffing capacity that will support the growing need to prepare and deliver culturally appropriate food and personal care hampers to Victorians in need. The Food Hamper Project has a particular focus on migrant community members and international students around Greater Melbourne.

Turbans 4 Australia works to promote multiculturalism across the nation’s eastern seaboard, specialising in providing emergency relief to community members faced with food insecurity, homelessness and unemployment, as well as those recovering from the impacts of natural disasters.

It also hosts events such as Turban Fest, a vibrant festival where all attendees can enjoy wearing their own turbans and learn about Sikh history and culture.

This funding will support the Food Hamper Project through the employment of a Project Manager and part-time drivers, as well as additional training opportunities for volunteers on food handling protocols and how to best engage with community members experiencing hardship.

The Priority Response to Multicultural Communities program has provided $28.9 million since it began, supporting more than 390 community organisations and one million Victorians.

For more information on volunteering opportunities with Turbans 4 Australia, visit t4a.org.au/become-a-volunteer.