Australian Vietnamese Arts and Culture (AVAC) has received a $7500 grant in the most recent round of the federal government’s stronger communities program.
AVAC president Mai Nguyen said the community organisation was excited and thrilled to receive the grant.
“We are incredibly thankful for the government’s generosity and our local MP’s support towards our program,” Ms Nguyen said.
Ms Nguyen said AVAC will use the grant to purchase audio and video equipment to create and screen a documentary about the journeys of Vietnamese families in Brimbank.
The youth-led documentary project, titled ‘Half a Century Home,’ will highlight the strength and hope of local Vietnamese families and bring to light initial struggles faced by Vietnamese communities such as navigating language and cultural barriers.
The documentary will also celebrate Vietnamese locals’ adaptability and resilience.
“This grant is so important for community organisations like AVAC because this year marks the 50th anniversary of the settlement of the Vietnamese Community in Australia,” Ms Nguyen said.
“As an art and culture organisation, we would like to make the documentary to commemorate the 50 years since the first Vietnamese refugees began arriving in Australia in 1975, to celebrate the significant contributions of the Vietnamese community and commemorate our resilience and journey.
“With the grant we can purchase the equipment to make the documentary with our volunteers.”
According to the state government, Brimbank is home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Victoria with a population of 32,861 Vietnamese locals recorded in March last year.
