Victorians will be given more opportunity to gather as a community in Dandenong with extra funding to construct and restore community halls, centres and precincts.

Over 30 culturally diverse groups across Victoria are set to receive $4.22 million to support places where they can celebrate, congregate and take part in activities that boost engagement with the wider Victorian community.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott have announced the Community Infrastructure and Cultural Precincts (CICP) program, which aims to promote greater use of community facilities by multicultural groups.

The funding will go towards either building new facilities or restoring existing infrastructure.

In Dandenong, the Antiochian Community Support Association received $200,000 to help fund the construction of a new Community Centre. The Afghan Australian Initiative also received $25,000 to undertake a feasibility study to build an Afghan Australian Cultural House.

The Andrews Labor Government is committed to promoting an inclusive society in which every Victorian is able to contribute and belong.

Other projects to be funded include:

•  a new youth-focused centre in Cranbourne for the Cook Island community
• St Paul’s Cathedral in Bendigo to be repaired and restored
• Jewish Holocaust Centre redevelopment in Caulfield
• main building and hall facilities to be restored at the Polish Club in Albion
• improving aged and disability access to the Hellenic Museum in the CBD

All the projects will help increase access to functional facilities to the broader Victorian community that enable them to better utilise services and participate in activities.