$20,000 given to Shire of Swan for English language library materials

1/8/96

Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Minister Paul Omodei today presented a $20,000 cheque to the Shire of Swan to purchase library materials to help local residents improve their English and other language skills.

Mr Omodei said Swan was the first of 26 councils and two community colleges which would benefit from more than $257,000 funding this year to establish language centres in a range of metropolitan and country libraries.

The funds were for purchasing items such as language books, tapes and videos, computer software, cassette and video recorders, televisions and headphones.

Mr Omodei said the Shire of Swan would establish language centres at the Ballajura, Altone Park and Midland public libraries.

The Language Learning Resource Centre Program was developed by the State Government during the International Year of Tolerance. The program was jointly funded by the Office of Multicultural Interests and the Lotteries Commission.

Mr Omodei said there were clear benefits to the State in encouraging people to learn a second language, particularly for business and employment purposes.

"Helping people improve their English language skills is equally important," he said.

"There are about 30,000 Western Australians who are unable to speak English or to speak it well and they face enormous problems participating in community life, disadvantaged both socially and professionally."

Mr Omodei said the Swan Shire would provide English language resources at the Altone Park and Ballajura libraries, complementing their existing multi-language resources. The areas include many people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

He said Italian, Indonesian and Noongar resources would be provided at Midland library. The shire had indicated that about 22 per cent of residents in the Midland ward were of Aboriginal descent and about 15 per cent originated from Italy. In addition, two of the four local high schools taught Indonesian and Italian, and the library materials would complement this.

The Shire of Swan had indicated it would complement the program with conversation classes and cultural evenings.

Media contact: Amanda O'Brien on 222 9595