THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 25 September 2025

More funding to foster community connections

The Albanese Labor Government is investing an additional $12 million to strengthen and empower Australian communities.

The Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Inclusive Communities Activity program will fund 40 projects, benefiting up to 6,000 people from communities around the country.

Each project is geared towards supporting a particular group of people facing barriers to community participation, including at-risk young people and women, people with disability, and unemployed people.

Newly funded initiatives include women's leadership programs, creative workshops, peer mentoring, and resume writing and job interview classes.

One of the grants has been awarded to Weave Youth & Community Services, a Sydney-based organisation that supports First Nations people who have experienced domestic violence, discrimination, homelessness or racism.

During a visit to Weave, Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek learned how their $134,000 grant will deliver a new group cooking program where participants can share recipes, cultural stories, and a meal together. After completion of the program, participants will collaborate to develop a cookbook.

Other recipients of grants for new projects include:

• Jika Kangka Gununamanda to deliver Elder and youth-led initiatives for First Nations teenagers on Mornington Island in Queensland, aimed at reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing engagement with education and employment.
• City of Greater Dandenong in Victoria to support young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to promote positive peer relationships, gain skills and self-confidence, promote inclusivity and belonging though mentoring and hands-on immersive learning experiences.
• Boambee East Community Centre to build the confidence and self-esteem of teenage girls in Coffs Harbour, NSW through weekly sessions that will explore body image and respectful relationships.

Today’s announcement builds on the over $50 million already delivered since 2022 under the Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) – Inclusive Communities Activity.

More information about SARC is available on the Department of Social Services website.
 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:

“We know that projects like these can bring people closer to their communities and help give them a sense of belonging.

“These new grants will mean up to 6,000 people can more fully participate in their communities, build connections, find new opportunities, and feel a sense of inclusion they may not otherwise have felt.

“The group cooking program at Weave Youth & Community Services is a great example of how local initiatives can truly make people feel like a valued member of their community."  

ENDS