The following organisations have received funding as part of the first round of the program:

• Wollongong Baptist Church received $21,522 in funding for Security Systems

• The Parish of St Luke, Dapto received $9,630 for Security Cameras for St Lukes Church and Cemetery

The program is an election commitment and is part of a wider $15 million pledge over four years.

It was developed in consultation with faith and religious groups and experts across the state, as well as Multicultural NSW’s Community Resilience and Response Plan (COMPLAN) Committee. 

The program takes a resilience-based approach to safety and security by supporting prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures at places where faith communities gather.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“We know that everyday thousands of people right across NSW gather in their houses of worship or significant religious centres.”

“We all have the right to feel safe, wherever we may journey to in our daily lives. These grants provide a much-needed boost to help keep community safe and secure when they their local faith centres.”

Paul Scully MP, Member for Wollongong said:

“Wollongong residents have shown their commitment to their faiths, and we’re pleased to be committing to their safety too.”

“This investment will have lasting impacts, and this is an important part of helping bring about positive outcomes for many faith and religious communities.”