$5 million to increase safety in NSW places of worship

Faith communities in the Shellharbour electorate are set to benefit from a $5 million investment to strengthen safety in places of worship with the Saint Osthathiose Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church receiving funding under the latest round of the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants.

This funding round honours the NSW Government’s $15 million commitment over four years to support the safety and security of places of worship and other locations where religious groups gather regularly. Since 2023, a total of 355 organisations have been supported.

The Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants take a resilience-based approach to safety and security by equipping organisations to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from incidents.

Initiatives funded under the program include upgrades to security systems and infrastructure, incident management, first-aid training and safety and wellbeing support services.

For more information on the program, please visit: Safe Places for Faith Communities Program – Multicultural NSW.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“All faith communities in NSW have the right to gather and practise their religion in safety and without fear.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our diverse communities, and our $15 million investment in strengthening security at places of worship reflects that commitment.

This funding will help grant recipients deliver practical upgrades that make their communities safer and more secure.”

Member For Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“The Shellharbour electorate is home to a rich diversity of faith communities.”

“I’m delighted that the Saint Osthathiose Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church will benefit from this support to keep their places of worship safe and secure into the future.”