Thursday, 12 May 2022

Northern suburbs Somali community

Ms HUTCHINS (Sydenham—Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (10:08): I rise to update the house on the work the Andrews Labor government is doing to support the Somali community across the northern suburbs. As part of the building safer communities program, Banyule City Council has been funded with a grant of almost $300 000 to build the strength and resilience of the Somali community. As well as social events, the program includes employment workshops, mental health support, sessions to tackle the challenges of alcohol and other drug addictions, developing cultural awareness training for services and running leadership programs. The young people running this program are absolutely outstanding.

I was lucky enough to join the council, Himilo Community Connect and hundreds of Somali women for a swim night at WaterMarc on Saturday night. Part of the Eid celebrations, this event was an opportunity for women to socialise and use the pool that they would be unable to use at other times. I heard firsthand about the challenges that young Somali people face. I know the member for Ivanhoe and the member for Bundoora have connected with these communities, and they understand the challenges faced. We heard from a young woman who said she faces the dual prejudice of racism and Islamophobia, which acts as a barrier preventing her and others in the community finding meaningful work and accessing different cultural and community programs. We know these barriers can contribute to contact with the justice system.