Creating Safer Spaces for Worship: ECCNSW’s ‘Worship in a Safe Place’ Project

The Ethnic Communities Council of NSW recently completed its ‘Worship in a Safe Place’ project, an important initiative designed to improve the safety, security, and resilience of three places of worship—two Thai Buddhist temples and one Hindu temple—serving culturally and linguistically diverse communities in New South Wales.

The project addressed critical safety concerns through a combination of tailored security infrastructure upgrades, bilingual training, and culturally appropriate community engagement. Following comprehensive site assessments and consultations with temple leaders, ECCNSW implemented key security improvements, including CCTV cameras, access control systems, and reinforced entry points.

To ensure sustainability and community ownership, the temple staff, volunteers, and community members participated in training sessions on emergency preparedness, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity. These workshops, delivered in Thai and Hindi by ECCNSW bilingual educators, empowered participants to take an active role in protecting their places of worship.

The project not only enhanced physical safety but also fostered stronger community cohesion, increased awareness, and built long-term preparedness.

The project leaves a lasting impact—safe, welcoming spaces where diverse communities can worship without fear.

Funding for this project has been provided by the NSW Government – Multicultural NSW – under the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants Program.