Grants take flight

Melbourne Airport has announced community grant winners. winners. with participants in the 'No Barriers to Learning English' course. with students at Stevensville Primary School Community Hub . English language student Candy Heidari and kids eric 4 , erina 15 mths and Helena 2.

By Tate Papworth

Hundreds of new migrants and disadvantaged young people are set to benefit from a Melbourne Airport cash splash.

The airport recently announced 10 winners of its community grants program. They will share in $100,000 of funding.

Brimbank recipients include Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House, Sydenham Neighbourhood House and Duke Street Community House.

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lyell Strambi said he was delighted to be able to support meaningful community projects operating on the airport’s doorstep.

“I am extremely proud to provide the 10 neighbourhood houses with the funding, giving them the ability to extend or improve their established initiatives that impact the lives of those that need it most,” he said.

“As an airport, we can help support the community in which we operate in … we’re confident that these grants will go a long way to assist people and help them succeed.”

Mei Hsin, who runs the No Barriers to Learning English program at Stevensville Primary School, in partnership with Duke Street Community House, said the money was much needed.

“When I started here six years ago I had five people, now I have 30, it’s always growing,” she said.

“New arrivals to the country don’t always know how to speak English, so this is providing them with a space to do that where children can also be looked after.”