Sydney - Middle East Times Int’l:  Liverpool faith communities are set to benefit as the NSW Government delivers on its promise to ensure places of worship across the state are safer and more secure with through the Safe Places for Faith Communities Program.

St George and Prince Theodore Coptic Orthodox Church received $78,353.00 in funding to its Operation Security and Safety as part of the first round of the program.

The program is an election commitment and is part of a wider $15 million pledge over four years. It was developed in consultation with faith and religious groups and experts across the state, as well as Multicultural NSW’s Community Resilience and Response Plan (COMPLAN) Committee.

The program takes a resilience-based approach to safety and security by supporting prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures at places where faith communities gather.

“We know that everyday thousands of people right across NSW gather in their houses of worship or significant religious centres.”

“We all have the right to feel safe, wherever we may journey to in our daily lives. These grants provide a much-needed boost to help keep community safe and secure when they their local faith centres.”

“There are many communities in Liverpool bound together by faith. Their security is paramount, and this funding gives them the opportunity to ensure they can practice their faith safely.

“The St George & Prince Theodore Coptic Orthodox Church community are a valuable asset to the Liverpool electorate, and support many across South-West Sydney who practice their faith at the church.”