The Allan Labor Government is helping Victorians from diverse cultural backgrounds to safely practise their faith and improve spaces to gather and celebrate their culture and traditions.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards today visited the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion to announce the successful recipients from the Allan Labor Government’s $5 million Multicultural Infrastructure and Security Program to support maintenance works, renovations and security upgrades for multicultural community facilities.

“These grants are all about helping to create safe, welcoming places in Victoria where people from all backgrounds can come together, celebrate culture and share traditions.” Said Ms Edwards

“I am proud to support our local multicultural communities that make Victoria such a diverse and inclusive place – and we’ll always stand against racism and discrimination in every form"

The two recipients are:

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion - $84,000

Bodhi Dhamma Buddhist Assoc - $45,520

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is a unique cultural and spiritual destination for our region.

With 135,000 visitors last year and a projected 150,000 visitors this year, it continues to strengthen the region's reputation as a major tourism and cultural hub.

Victoria is proudly home to one of the world's most culturally diverse communities.

In recent years, however, we have seen growing division within our community. 

International conflicts, increasing social polarisation, and the actions of some political leaders both here and overseas have contributed to tensions that challenge our shared values.

The Allan Labor Government is committed to fostering a community where everyone can thrive and where the benefits of diversity are shared by all. Our priority is to strengthen social cohesion, promote inclusion, and ensure every Victorian feels safe.

No matter who you are, where you were born, what language you speak, or what faith you follow, Victoria is a place where you belong.

We do not simply tolerate diversity — we celebrate it. It is fundamental to who we are as a state and central to the strong, vibrant, and inclusive community we continue to build together.