The closing date for the first round of applications for the new Migrant Communities Employment Fund has been extended. Potential applicants now have until August 9 to lodge their bid for a grant, with up to $200,000 available for innovative employment projects.

The Migrant Communities Employment Fund seeks to support projects that help migrant and refugee job seekers get into employment in Australia. The Federal Government has committed $6 million to the fund over two years.

The Government says it is looking to fund projects which; provide access to suitable training (including English language training), mentoring support, encourage participation in work experience and training in Australian workplace culture and otherwise provide sustainable employment options.

The application closing date for the first round of Migrant Communities Employment Funds has been extended to August 9. The Federal Government says there will be further round of funding in the coming two years. Application forms and more information are available from The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.