At a special function to recognise Dandenong’s Antiochian Community By Nathan Johnston
STATE and local government teamed up to provide a funding boost worth more than $16,000 to a Dandenongbased community support group.
The Antiochian Community Support Association (ACSA), part of the St Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Dandenong, provides assistance for some of Dandenong’s neediest people, including the aged.
That work was recognised by Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos who presented ACSA with a $9000 cheque on behalf of the State Government.
Councillor Naim Melhem from the City of Greater Dandenong presented the association with a $7500 cheque from the council.
The presentations were made at a special function at the church at 3234 Plunkett Road on 4 September.
President of St Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church Council Ray Nasrawi said the funding would help ACSA continue to provide its services to the community.
“The centre has only been established for two years, but the services we provide are becoming more popular and the minister has seen the value in our organisation,” Mr Nasrawi said.
“Much of our work involves providing support for people who have difficulty accessing services because of language problems.
“We have volunteers who can break down language barriers for people from Arabic backgrounds.
“We also provide support for many elderly people who might be lonely and have trouble gaining access to health and government services.”
Chairman of the Ethnic Communities Council of the South East (ECCOSE) and John Pandazopoulos’ electorate adviser Sam Afra, said ACSA was providing an important service to the local Arabic communities from all religious backgrounds.
“It’s doing a fantastic job to link the community with the church.
“People from nonChristian faiths are welcome to use the services provided at the community centre, even if they don’t want to go to the church services.”
