The Victorian Government is making it easier for Victorians from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds to get vaccinated, with targeted support to help them access vaccinations, get to appointments and combat misinformation.

Acting Health Minister James Merlino today announced successful funding recipients of the Government’s $1.2 million Supporting Access to Vaccination for Priority Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities program, announced late last year as part of a package to ensure no Victorian is left behind as vaccinations are rolled out.

Community organisation The Huddle – established by the North Melbourne Football Club to improve inclusion for young people from diverse backgrounds – will receive $150,000 to support the vaccination of people as young as five from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

This funding will allow staff to work directly with community members and leaders to provide vaccine information and help get community members vaccinated – whether through help booking an appointment, arranging childcare or transport to vaccination hubs.

In total, eight community organisations will deliver tailored, in-language support, engage Victorians online and at shopping centres, and coordinate pop-up vaccination hubs. Alongside The Huddle, other recipients include:

• Brimbank/Melton Community Support Group
• Dandenong/Casey/Cardinia Community Support Group
• Junubi Wyndham Community Support Group
• Himilo Community Connect Community Support Group
• Le Mana Pasifika Project
• Northern Community Support Group
• Komak Community Support Group

Community organisations and neighbourhood houses are also encouraged to apply for up to $20,000 to help vulnerable Victorians overcome barriers to vaccination and tackle vaccine misinformation through the Local Community Access Grants Program.

For more information, visit vic.gov.au/local-community-access-grants-program.

These initiatives are part of a $21 million package to boost tailored support for Victorians who may face additional barriers to vaccination – including people living with disability, at-risk youth, seniors, culturally diverse and multi-faith communities, social housing residents and victim survivors of family violence.

Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Health James Merlino

“Whether it’s arranging childcare or transport for people needing to get to appointments, this will help overcome the practical barriers that some Victorians face to getting vaccinated.”

Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Multicultural Affairs Shaun Leane

“With the assistance of trusted community organisations, we’re helping Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities to get the tailored support and advice they need to get vaccinated.”