The state government has given Centre for Participation $175,000 to upgrade facilities for the Wimmera-Mallee Multicultural Community Hub project in Horsham.

Centre for Participation chief executive Julie Pettett said the organisation had applied for the funding to build a kitchen, more classroom space and a food van.

“The intention is to provide people with a way to engage more,” she said. 

“The kitchen will enable people to come together, provide more social support opportunities and increased learning.”

Ms Pettett said food was a great mechanism to teach people life skills.

“The food van is like a movable classroom; people will be able to cook the food in the kitchen and serve people in the community,” she said.

“They will be able to get experience, build confidence and engage with the public.”

Centre for Participation is waiting on a response for more funding from the federal government to go towards the upgrades.

“We dearly hope that the application is accepted; we’re waiting to hear about it any day,” she said.

“This state government funding is really exciting and very much needed in Horsham to help support the wider Wimmera.”

The state government has allocated a further $33,300 to help create a permanent home for Oasis Wimmera, which helps provide social support for newly arrived migrants in Horsham.

The state government funding will allow Horsham Rural City Council to upgrade Jubilee Hall and make it the headquarters for Oasis Wimmera. 

Upgrade works will include a kitchen refurbishment, new universal access entry and upgraded toilet facilities.

Funding for both organisations has come from the state government’s Community Infrastructure and Cultural Precincts (CICP) program.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaala Pulford said the funding would help “promote an inclusive society for every Victorian”.