FUNDING FOR SOUTH SYDNEY’S INDIAN COMMUNITY

Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams and Member for Oatley Mark Coure MP have announced $1,000 funding to support South Sydney’s Indian community. “The South Sydney Indian Association is an outstanding local organisation which encourages participation and holds regular activities that bring our community together,” Mr Coure said. “The Association is a particularly strong advocate of women’s health and domestic violence issues, and promotes access to services for seniors. “It holds regular events and activities including cooking classes, a weekly dancing club and various religious celebrations throughout the year.” Mr Williams said the funding would support the Association’s upcoming Diwali celebrations in early November. “We are proud that the Australian Indian community is growing in NSW. The number of people identifying with Indian ancestry in our State has doubled since 2011,” Mr Williams said. “We know the five fastest growing languages in Australia are all Indian languages. “It’s wonderful to see new organisations like the South Sydney Indian Association servicing the needs of the local community.” South Sydney Indian Association President Jagrati Lalchandani said the organisation was delighted to receive support from the NSW Government. “The Association is run by a group of passionate women who aim to support South Sydney’s Indian community,” Ms Lalchandani said. “Our core pillars are to care, celebrate, connect and collaborate with community. We hold a number of regular community activities that bring our community together.” “Support from the NSW Government means we will be able to engage with more members of the community during our upcoming Diwali celebrations.” There are more than 1,500 residents with Indian ancestry who reside in the Oatley region. For more information about the South Sydney Indian Association, please visit https://ssiasite.wordpress.com/.