Sharing And Strengthening Community Languages

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will invest $6 million to deliver a new Multicultural Storytime program across Victoria.

The program will give kids – up to the age of 5 – the ability to come together with a facilitator to read a book and learn a language other than English.

Each session would run for 45 minutes and give parents the opportunity to engage their children and grandchildren in their native language in a new and engaging way.

Grants of up to $25,000 per year will be available to community organisations, community language schools and councils to deliver this exciting new program.

Victoria is home to communities from more than 200 countries, who speak 260 languages and Labor is proud to build on our record of uniting communities.

Matthew Guy and Liberals use multicultural communities to divide Victorians.

Only a Labor Government is doing what matters for multicultural communities – strengthening connections to culture and language through the power of storytelling.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Multiculturalism is our state’s greatest gift – and we must continue to invest in the many languages, faiths and cultures that have made a home here in Victoria.”

“Storytelling is a powerful way to strengthen the connection young children have to their communities, their families and their identities and Labor is proud to support our multicultural communities, each and every day.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence

“Victoria is home to some of the oldest languages the world has ever known and it’s so important that we play our role in strengthening them in our communities.” 

Quote attributable to Labor Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“I was fortunate enough to grow up in a community that valued the importance of passing down the rich heritage of our language. It’s an important part of who I am, and today’s announcement will ensure it is an important part of communities for many years to come.” 

Quote attributable to Labor Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer

“It will be fantastic to see so many young kids in Box Hill develop a strong sense of community through the art of storytelling.”

 Quote attributable to Labor Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards

“I am so proud to represent an electorate that is full of many languages – and I know how important it is to families, that these languages are passed on to their children.”

Quote attributable to Labor Candidate for Narre Warren North Belinda Wilson

“We’re making sure more of our youngest Victorians in Narre Warren North are supported to learn their mother tongue. I know how much this will mean for the many communities in my electorate.”