Joint media release with the Hon Milton Dick MP, the Hon Shayne Neumann MP and the Hon Graham Perrett MP
The Australian government is investing in new support for African Australian communities with a $20 million investment in community-led grassroots programs, including $4 million funding for the nation-leading African Village initiative in Brisbane.
Delivered over four years from 2025-26, the African Australian Communities Program (AACP) will support organisations across Australia that have a proven capacity for delivering projects which meet the acute needs of African Australian communities.
To kick-start the program, the Queensland African Communities Council (QACC) will be invited to apply for funding to support and expand its successful African Village project.
QACC’s African Village hubs, currently located in Moorooka, Geebung and Redbank Plains, provide a safe place for the community and supports individuals, families and schools with locally designed and structured activities to make sure young African Australians at risk are supported at an early stage.
Funding will be delivered across two streams:
- Stream One will provide $16 million over four years from 2025-26 for one or more closed grants processes, where African-led organisations and other organisations with a proven capacity to deliver projects which meet the needs of African-Australian communities will be invited to apply for funding. Engagement will occur with relevant State and Territory Governments to shape priority investments.
- Stream Two will deliver $4 million over three years from 2026-27 for an open competitive process to build the capacity of community-led grassroots organisations to support their communities, and provide practical support to address community issues.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill MP:
“Communities nationwide have highlighted the unique challenges faced by young African Australians, and the government is acting to support grassroots organisations with community-led initiatives that are proven to work.
“The African Village project is the first selected given its proven track record delivering for more than 63,000 African Australian individuals and communities across Queensland. This funding will support the expansion of their African Village networks, supporting young African Australians at risk.
“I have written to Queensland’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs proposing a partnership with the Commonwealth through co-investment in the African Village and other initiatives.”
Quotes attributable to Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick, Member for Oxley:
“This is great news for African Australian communities across the Southside of Brisbane and western suburbs including Ipswich.
“Ensuring that we have strong partnerships in the community, will go a long way to improving employment for young African Australians at risk.
“I’m looking forward to seeing programs run throughout the area to support this initiative.”
Quotes attributable to Graham Perrett, Member for Moreton:
“The African Village hubs help community members connect to their cultural heritage and identity.
“Their innovative programs tackle the challenges facing young African Australians,and help give them a sense of belonging and purpose.”
Quotes attributable to Shayne Neumann, Member for Blair:
“Ipswich is not just one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland, it is becoming one of the most diverse as well.
“African Australians already play a significant role in our community life, but there is so much more we can do to ensure that we meet the unique challenges facing this community.
“I want to thank those members of this community who have been working with me to see this kind of funding made available to the African Australian community.”
