Mal Fruean says an effective response to an emergency like the pandemic is only possible when everyone involved works together.
The chairperson of the NSW Council for Pacific Communities, which is based in Minto, Ms Fruean says helping people in need here in Campbelltown has been a team effort these past two years.
At a media briefing held in Minto Community Hall last week and attended by NSW multiculturalism minister Mark Coure and the chief executive officer of Multicultural NSW Joseph La Posta, Ms Fruean thanked the state government for their support of community groups like hers.
“This work cannot be done alone – I’m grateful to our Local Area Police Command, council and other community leaders for their support,’’ she said.
“Collectively, we’ve had to had to work together; our resources may be limited, but together we are able to reach out and help more families,’’ Ms Fruean said.
The multiculturalism minister said the pandemic had been especially tough out here in South Western Sydney.
“My agency, Multicultural NSW, has worked with NSW Health to engage with multicultural groups to support our multicultural communities, in partnership with organisations such as this one for Pacific communities,’’ Mr Coure told the media present.
“Multicultural NSW has allocated $54.7 million since June of last year to support vulnerable people and their communities which are experiencing hardship through the pandemic,’’ he said.
“A total of 750 groups, such as this one here in Minto today, directly shared $38m to use for food hampers, wellbeing packages and for connecting communities through PPE equipment.
“I want to thank you for supporting your communities on the ground, ensuring their safety.
“I want to thank Mal for her leadership,’’ the minister said.
Ms Fruean announced that the NSW Council for Pacific Communities was preparing to launch a new Covid-19 tool kit, put together in five different languages.
“We’re looking to have a launch in February,’’ she said.
