Hume Leader | By Paige Mason

19th July 2011

Hume politicians have stepped up pressure to secure renewed State Government funding for the Victorian Arabic Social Service.

Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou has criticised the Government’s failure to renew $150,000 funding for the non-profit organisation’s intake and referral service.

It comes as Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire appealed directly to Premier Ted Baillieu.

Ms Vamvakinou said she was “deeply concerned- the service could be lost. “The Intake and Referral Service Program is very important as it serves to bridge the gap between mainstream services and the Arabic-speaking community.”

She said she would continue to lobby for VASS but that this funding was a state responsibility.

Mr McGuire last week wrote to Mr Baillieu and Multicultural Affairs Minister Nicholas Kotsiras asking them to intervene. “Axing $150,000 of funding for Broadmeadows is a cruel decision that shows a total disregard for the community,” he said.

“It shows a total ignorance of one of the most disadvantaged areas in the state.” The Arabic community would be lost without VASS, he said.

“Many Arabic-speaking families and individuals are likely to miss out on receiving mainstream services they need and are entitled to, simply due to lack of awareness … and language and cultural barriers.”

VASS representatives met Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge this month to discuss funding options, but no decision was made.

Manager Leila Alloush hopes to meet Mr Kotsiras soon.