Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford announced a $600,000 grant for the Hoa Nghiem Buddhist Temple in Springvale South at their New Year festivities on Sunday.
Sister Thich Phuoc Uyen, Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford, and Venerable Thich Thien Tam Abbot of Hoa Nghiem Temple
Ms Wreford said the grant was provided to assist the Buddhist congregation to build a community centre adjacent to their Springvale Road Temple.
Ms Wreford said “I am pleased to announce today that the State Government is providing $600,000 to assist with the construction of a community hall, cultural centre and commercial kitchen.”
“This temple is a very important part of life for the local Vietnamese Buddhist community. It is a strong, vibrant and growing community in need of additional facilities, and I am pleased that we are helping that happen.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras said the grant was awarded under the Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund established by the Victorian Coalition Government.
Mr Kotsiras said “This funding will help community organisations upgrade existing buildings or construct new community facilities.
“The grants will enhance the vibrancy of community facilities and areas of cultural significance.
“Not only do they promote greater use of Victoria’s existing multicultural community buildings, but they also ensure that Victoria’s fastest-growing communities can access facilities that support their cultural needs.”
Mr Kotsiras said the projects would support Victoria’s increasingly multicultural society by providing well-planned, well-designed and well-built facilities to meet high levels of demand and need.
Including this year’s grants round, more than $10 million has been awarded through the fund since 2010.
Lorraine with Venerable Thich Thien Tam Abbot of Hoa Nghiem Temple at the celebrations
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