Thursday, 17 March 2025
The NSW Government has announced $5 million in new grants to improve safety for faith communities across the state.
As part of the Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants, 126 organisations will receive funding to support safety and security for places of worship and other spaces where faith communities meet.
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.
In the first round of funding in 2023–24, over 100 faith organisations received a combined $5 million in funding.
Grant funding for this second round supports:
- upgrading security and surveillance systems
- training for staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation
- building the resilience of faith groups.
This follows the NSW Government strengthening laws by introducing two new offences to ensure people of faith can attend their place of worship in safety by preventing people from blocking access to a place of worship without a reasonable excuse; and protecting people from harassment and intimidation when accessing places of worship.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Being able to practice your faith in peace is a basic human right.
“I’m proud that the NSW Government is 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.”
Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said:
“The program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.
“This funding gives religious organisations support to ensure that members of their communities feel safe and know how to look out for each other.”
“We congratulate all organisations who were successful in securing a NSW Government grant”.“The program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.
