Central Coast Multicultural Project

Background

During 1993, a group of people from non-english speaking backgrounds (NESBs) began meeting at the Wyoming Community Centre on a regular basis. The group had no formal structure but were enthusiastic about improving services to residents of the Central Coast born overseas.  As a result of the group’s activities combined with the lack of services in the local area for the NESB community, the Wyoming Community Centre applied for a grant for a full-time Community Development Worker for this section of the community.

Results of the 1991 ABS Census showed a population of almost 10,000 people from non-english speaking backgrounds residing on the Central Coast. Between the 1986 and 1991 Census the population of the general community grew by 20% however, the NESB community grew by 40%. All indications suggest that the growth rate of the NESB community continues.

In February, 1994 the Centre received a grant of $14,000 from the Ethnic Affairs Commission of NSW making it possible for the Centre to employ a worker in March, 1994 for 14 hours per week for a period of 12 months. In May, 1995 the Centre received another grant from the Ethnic Affairs Commission for a further twelve months.

In July, 1996 the Project received a grant of $4654.00 from the Department of Community Services to investigate the needs of the older NESB community and their awareness of mainstream services. The Project also aimed to ensure that a full range of aged services were accessible to and sensitive towards the needs of elderly people with different cultural backgrounds.

In September 1997, the Project received funding from the Area Assistance Scheme for a part-time worker; two years later this funding was taken up by Department of Community Services. A Community Development Worker is now employed four days per week under this funding.

The same year the Department of Immigration and Citizenship provided funds for a part time Community Settlement Services Worker.