Labor pledges $5m for Assyrian Church community hall in Leppington

Local federal member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley, has joined member for McMahon Chris Bowen in announcing a $5 million election commitment towards the construction of a new community hall for St Yosip parish of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East in Leppington. The funding will support the development of a facility that will serve as a central hub for the Assyrian community, offering spaces for events, support groups, youth programs, educational classes, and other activities.

The community hall is described as a vital resource for fostering social connection, learning, and practical support within the local population. It will also play a role in strengthening relationships among neighbors, making it a valuable asset to the area. The project represents the first step in the community’s long-term vision to build a school and church, reflecting the growing needs of the Assyrian population in the region.

Ms Stanley emphasized the importance of providing a welcoming space for the Assyrian community, particularly for youth, families, and older members. “Our community is a vibrant and diverse one, and supporting our rapidly growing Assyrian community to find a home to meet and provide support to their youth, families and older members is something I am pleased we can do,” she said. She is seeking a fourth term in Werriwa and highlighted the need for community facilities to keep pace with population growth in suburbs like Leppington.

In addition to the $5 million pledge for the Assyrian Church hall, Ms Stanley has also committed $30,000 towards this year’s Serbian Folkloric Festival at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club. The festival, sponsored by community members, showcases Serbian culture through food, films, and folkloric dancing. It attracts participants from across Australia and regularly draws visitors from overseas, underscoring the cultural significance of such events in fostering community ties.

The Assyrian Church of the East, with its rich heritage and strong community presence, continues to play a key role in supporting the spiritual and social well-being of its members. The new community hall is expected to further enhance the church’s ability to serve its congregation and contribute to the broader local community. As the project moves forward, it will be an important milestone in the church’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of its growing population.

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