Anthony Albanese, the Member for Grayndler, today welcomed the Rudd Labor Government’s announcement of funding for two local organisations through the Get Communities Working stream of the Jobs Fund.

The Ashfield-based Exodus Foundation will receive $881,000 for Youth and Welfare Programs. Project funding will support 13 jobs and ensure service delivery to disadvantaged youth and homeless people. Two work experience positions will also be created or retained.

St Matthews Anglican Church in Ashbury will receive $151,000 to upgrade the Church's community hall. The upgrade will support seven jobs and will improve the amenity, safety and functionality of the facility for multiple community groups.

A third organisation, Midnight Basketball Australia, will receive $1.3 million to support 64 jobs and 360 work experience placements for youth in Indigenous communities across numerous regions of Australia, including the electorate of Grayndler.

Mr Albanese said the investment in employment and training initiatives across Australia was part of the Rudd Labor Government's response to the global financial crisis and he welcomed the announcement of projects to secure jobs in the Inner West.

“These projects are helping to keep jobs in the local area, and will support the workers of Grayndler during these difficult times,” he said.

Further information on the Jobs Fund is available at www.deewr.gov.au