The Door Bells: Migrant Women’s Network, which has more than 70 members and is run entirely by volunteers, will use the funding to increase its visibility and presence in the community through social media and website development.
The Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre played a key role in supporting the group’s grant application, helping it secure the funding through Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.
The Door Bells president Seema Abdullah praised both the government and MEAC for their support.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without them,” she said.
The Door Bells group, which formally launched in March 2022, has operated in a limited capacity due to a lack of financial backing.
The group advocates for social inclusion, leadership and education for migrant women settling in the Goulburn Valley.
“We feel our ideas can finally come into fruition,” Ms Abdullah said.
MEAC manager Jan Phillips said it was “pretty special” to help such an important initiative get off the ground.
“Now the women can gather in a safe space like MEAC and create a confident community,” she said.
The group has already hosted workshops, a council election meet-the-candidates forum, Voice referendum panel discussions, and leadership and IT literacy seminars.
Membership is open to anyone who identifies as a migrant woman and lives, works or studies in the Shepparton region.
To get involved, visit The Door Bells: Migrant Women’s Network on Facebook or email tdb.mwn@gmail.com