South West Metro Basketball and home of the Pirates have been awarded $43,305 in Federal funding to support the integration of migrants and multicultural communities.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP emphasised the instrumental role South West Metro Basketball plays in providing a space which brings locals together and supports Australia’s diverse social fabric.

“Thanks to the Morrison Governments Fostering Integration Grants program, South West Metro Basketball will be supporting youth participation through sport. This facility in Mt Gravatt is surrounded by schools, a TAFE and a University, making it a hub for people of different cultures and backgrounds to come together through their shared love of sport,” said Mr Vasta.

“The funding will be put towards a weekly sports program rolled out in various local schools and community organisations. Participants will be mentored and upskilled to become peer leaders and engage with at-risk migrant youth.

“Funding will also see the establishment of a series of basketball carnivals with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) youth where they will learn how to build the skills and confidence to participate in the community and enter the workforce.

“I was very pleased to congratulate the team at South West Metro Basketball who have established themselves as being a safe and welcoming space for everyone in our community. I look forward to seeing how the funding will contribute to stronger community participation of multicultural communities in Bonner.”

South West Metro Basketball General Manager Rob Tankey said, “We really appreciate the opportunity with this grant. It will enable us to get more participants into our structured sport programs and get kids off the streets.

“It’s healthy for them and it will teach them what it means to be a part of a team. We’re really looking forward to getting this out into the community and getting them involved.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, said that programs such as this are crucial to building connections and supporting migrants to better participate in Australian social, economic and civil life.

“The Fostering Integration Grant Program is about supporting organisations that work alongside the community and enabling them to better understand and overcome the barriers faced by our multicultural communities.

“Projects that are being funded aim to encourage participation in social, sporting and employment activities that both celebrate our multicultural communities and help migrants to gain valuable skills to be utilised within the community and in the workforce,” said Minister Hawke.

Since 2018, the Government has awarded $11.3 million through the Fostering Integration Grants program to help local community organisations support the integration and social cohesion of migrants and multicultural communities.

Further information on the program, including the successful grants, is available on GrantConnect, the Government’s grant information system: www.grants.gov.au.