"Through this program Harmony Place has had a lot of success in prevention and early intervention of mental illness in culturally and linguistically diverse communities," he said.

"Mental illness can have a devastating effect on people's lives and caring for and living with a person with a mental illness can also put a lot of pressure on families.

"Harmony Place is providing families and carers with the practical support they need to build on family strengths and improve resilience and family functioning."

Harmony Place aims to reduce the risk of mental illness and increase protective measures that support mental health and wellbeing of individuals, families and carers from established culturally and linguistically diverse communities, who are affected by, or at risk of, mental illness.

Mr Perrett said the Multicultural Well Being Program was helping to increase awareness and reduce the stigma sometimes attached to mental illness.

"Harmony Place has shown that training bilingual and bicultural workers in mental health and community education is an effective way to provide culturally appropriate education and support to community members," he said.

"With the right support, we know that carers and families are critical to assisting people with a mental illness to live meaningful and rewarding lives."

Mr Perrett said the funding was part of the Rudd Government's $1 million investment in Harmony Place under the Mental Health Community Based (MHCB) program.