The Victorian Government is helping African communities deliver creative projects that get people active, interested and inspired.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced 22 local projects will be funded under the Community Innovation Grants Program – an initiative of the Government’s $8.6 million Victorian African Communities Action Plan.

The projects are designed to support African Victorians and promote a stronger sense of belonging and connection to their communities, with successful recipients from across the state and targeting a range of different groups – such as young people, women and seniors.

Some of the successful projects include:

• A vegetable garden in Shepparton, harvesting traditional vegetables such as maize and okra
• A two-day forum for young African Victorians, applying business strategies to social issues
• A digital storytelling program recruiting nine emerging African Victorian filmmakers
• A leadership workshop for African Victorian law students to assist with confidence and job opportunities

The 22 projects – including those from regional areas – will share in a total of $264,000.

The program was designed and delivered in partnership with the Victorian African Communities Action Plan Implementation Committee, which comprises a diverse group of African Victorian community leaders.

For a full list of successful recipients, visit vic.gov.au/community-innovation-grant-program.