Two faith organisations in the Macquarie Fields electorate will benefit from the NSW Government’s $5 million contribution to improve safety at places of worship.
Announced as part of the Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants, St Barnabas’ Anglican Church in Ingleburn and the St Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church in Long Point (pictured above) will receive funding to support safety and security.
The government has allocated $15 million over four years to this program, as part of its election commitment in 2023. Grants range from 5,000 up to $250,000.
Grant funding supports upgrading security and surveillance systems and training for staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation.
The funding also goes towards building the resilience of faith groups.
Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong MP, welcome the funding for the two local organisations.
“Both St Barnabas’ Anglican Church and St Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church have been an important part of the social fabric in our community for a long time,’’ he said.
“The program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.
“The NSW Government is getting behind our faith organisations to support upgrades and other projects that will make the religious experience safer.”
The minister for multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the NSW Government was delivering on its commitment to improve safety at places where faith communities get together.
“This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees,” he said.
