Ku-ring-gai Council has been awarded $76,756 through the NSW Government’s Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program to deliver a targeted, local anti-racism and antisemitism program.
The Connected Communities Initiative for Social Cohesion in Ku-ring-gai is designed to strengthen inclusion, safety and community resilience across the local area.
Key Takeaways
- State Funding Secured: Ku-ring-gai Council awarded $76,756 through the NSW Government’s Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program.
- Targeted Anti-Racism Focus: Establishes the Connected Communities Initiative to combat antisemitism and racism while building long-term community resilience.
- Community-Driven Origin: Developed following Council's Jewish Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Roundtable in partnership with Sydney North Health Network.
- Practical Action Plan: Features specialist liaison roles, bystander training for leaders, interfaith engagement initiatives, and clear referral pathways.
The place-based program was born out of Council’s Jewish Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Roundtable, held earlier this year in partnership with Sydney North Health Network.
The roundtable brought together Jewish community representatives, faith leaders and health and community service providers to discuss the impacts of trauma and antisemitism on the community’s wellbeing.
It identified the need for clearer pathways for community members seeking support and new strategies for strengthening community connections.
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said the new funding would help turn those insights into targeted action.
“The community has shared with us their concerns about racism and antisemitism and the gaps in access to trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support services,” Mayor Kay said.
“This grant allows us to develop real, practical support to train staff, facilitate discussions between community leaders and support services, and help strengthen social cohesion.
The Connected Communities Initiative includes:
- a specialist community liaison role to strengthen trust, increase community engagement and help people navigate services
- anti-racism and bystander training for community leaders and Council staff
- intercultural and interfaith engagement initiatives to build understanding and reduce division
- strengthened partnerships and referral pathways across community and service providers
- a reference committee to guide cultural safety, relevance and co-design.
The program will support Jewish community members in Ku-ring-gai, along with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
