The Albanese government has announced about $40 million for multicultural community infrastructure projects across Australia, with applications for the new Infrastructure for Multicultural Communities grants to open on 7 April.
The program will fund shovel-ready projects aimed at building or upgrading spaces used by multicultural communities, with the Department of Home Affairs saying the investment sits within the Modernised Multicultural Grant Program and supports facilities designed to promote connection.
In the announcement, Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly said the funding was about “backing practical community infrastructure” that helps communities thrive and strengthens cohesion across the country.
“When communities have safe, welcoming and fit-for-purpose spaces, it creates opportunities for connection, participation and belonging, and in turn benefits all of us.
Eligible projects include community hubs and centres, museums, libraries and art spaces, meeting and conference facilities, performance spaces and sporting areas. The Home Affairs department says the grant stream will support projects that are constructed, upgraded or extended for multicultural communities, with works due to be completed by June 2028.
Minister Aly added,
“These projects will also support local jobs and local businesses, ensuring this investment delivers both social and economic value in communities across the country.”
The government is pitching the grants as both a social cohesion measure and an economic one, arguing that better facilities can help communities gather, celebrate and participate more fully in Australian life while also generating work for local trades, contractors and suppliers.
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said community spaces matter because they are where people gather and support one another.
Hill said “strong communities need strong foundations” and argued multicultural Australians should not be expected to leave their culture behind, with shared spaces helping people celebrate traditions while connecting with the broader community.
“Infrastructure grants are always highly competitive and sought after, and investments will be targeted at the highest quality proposals.”
The grants are expected to be competitive. Forecast information published through the Community Grants Hub says applicants will need to be ready to provide evidence such as development approvals, project plans, budgets, risk management material and proof of land ownership or permission to use the site. The forecast also says priority will be given to new and emerging communities, rural and regional communities, and projects focused on outcomes for women, gender-diverse people and people with disabilities.
For multicultural organisations, the new round offers a chance to secure federal backing for long-planned facility upgrades at a time when many community groups are under pressure to do more with limited space and ageing infrastructure. Full application details will be available through the government grants portal when the round opens next week.
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