State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has congratulated Lismore Baptist Church on securing a $8,950 NSW Government grant to improve safety at their place of worship.

Ms Saffin said Lismore Baptist Church’s ‘Make Church Safe’ project was aimed at protecting its African and other nationality members.

“This church has been an important part of the social fabric of the City of Lismore for a long time,” Ms Saffin said.

“The NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.

“The NSW Government is getting behind our faith organisations to support upgrades and other projects that will make the religious experience safer.”

The Government has allocated $15 million over four years to this program as part of its election commitment in 2023. Grants range from $5,000 up to $250,000. 

Grant funding supports:

• upgrading security and surveillance systems
• training for staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation
• building the resilience of faith groups.