HON. KATY GALLAGHER MP
SENATOR FOR THE ACT

ZANETA MASCARENHAS MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SWAN

MEDIA RELEASE

LABOR COMMITS TO AUSTRALIA’S FIRST CALD WOMEN’S SHED AND COMMUNITY BUS

Federal Member for Swan, Zaneta Mascarenhas, today welcomed Federal Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher to Cannington to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver a Multicultural Hub in Cannington.

This $450,000 election commitment will support the development of the Multicultural Services Centre of Western Australia (MSCWA). Funding will go towards building the hub and an additional $50,000 commitment for the purchase of a 15-seat community bus, helping people from across the community access vital services.

The new hub will focus on skill-building for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) youth and women and offer services including counselling, English language classes, homework clubs, and income-earning skills development workshops for CALD youth and women especially those escaping family domestic violence. The hub will be the first of its kind to house a Women’s Shed for Perth’s Southern Corridor.

This funding highlights the Albanese Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting multicultural communities and delivering accessible, inclusive services in Swan.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Zaneta Mascarenhas MP, Member for Swan:

“MSCWA provides an incredible range of services – from employment support and education to social programs – for our multicultural community in Cannington.

“This new hub will be a landmark for Cannington and our state. The CALD Women’s Shed will be the first of its kind. It will offer a unique space for women to connect, share skills, and work towards a more independent and fulfilling life.

“But for many who need these services the most – including women, seniors, newly arrived migrants, and people with disability – transport can be a major barrier. This new community bus will help bridge that gap, making services more accessible to those without a car or driver’s licence.

“Together with Labor’s investment in METRONET, this community bus will ensure more people can connect with the services they need to build better lives.

“Only a re-elected Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to deliver the support our multicultural communities deserve.”

Friday 4 April 2025
Media Contact: Melissa Robinson 0403 953 162