The Illawarra Multicultural Service (IMS) is creating a safe, accessible and culturally responsible hub for people with disability from multicultural backgrounds, thanks to nearly $1 million from the Albanese Government.
Funded through the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) Peer Support and Capacity Building program, the IMS is helping people navigate the system, while building resilience and capacity, and improving the mental health of its participants.
Building Responsive, Inclusive, Diverse, Group Engagement (BRIDGE) is already seeing success stories with 76 participants engaging in over 100 workshops and community events. IMS’ data shows that 90 per cent of participants have reported improvements in mental health and overall wellbeing, and 95 per cent have increased their understanding of available services and support.
The NDIA has provided almost $40 million over two years to 69 organisations under the Peer support and Capacity Building grant round. Delivered over two years with the possibility of a further one-year extension, the one-off grant round aims to ensure that people with disability can keep accessing supports while governments and the disability sector work together to design foundational supports.
IMS has been supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in the Illawarra for decades, and held a launch of the BRIDGE program to celebrate it’s early successes on Wednesday 15 October, attended by Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP and members of the local community.
Quotes attributable to Alison Byrnes MP:
“I am so delighted that the Albanese Government is providing nearly $1 million over the next two years to the Illawarra Multicultural Service to deliver this really important program.
“Ensuring that our CALD communities can access the available support is so important, but this program goes even further by helping to build their capacity and wellbeing so that they can fully contribute to community life here in the Illawarra.
“It’s so encouraging to be seeing real results already for local people with disability and their carers, with improved mental health and connection, as well as tangible job outcomes and increased support.
“It was wonderful to get a first-hand look at the art programs, exercise classes and gardening showcases at their recent launch, with such creativity and hard work on full display.
“I really want to congratulate CEO Kim McCausland, Project Manager Melissa Antoun and all of the IMS team on this fantastic program.”
Quotes attributable to IMS CEO Kim McCausland:
“BRIDGE is a living example of what happens when diversity, responsiveness, and inclusion move beyond words and into everyday practice. It demonstrates the power of creating safe and culturally responsive spaces where people with disability and their carers are not only welcomed but also empowered to lead, learn, and thrive.
“Within BRIDGE, participants are invited to express themselves through art workshops, explore creative outlets that enhance mental health, and celebrate their cultural heritage in ways that build confidence and pride.
“We’ve seen fantastic results with participants telling us they feel seen for the first time, they’ve gained courage and discovered meaningful connection. BRIDGE really has been a catalyst for change in their lives.
“I’m grateful to the Government and the NDIA for supporting this crucial program, and I’m looking forward to seeing even more amazing success stories as we continue supporting our local community.”
