The State Government has continued its funding to support multicultural festivals and events across the state, and to help multicultural communities celebrate their culture, heritage, and traditions.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt announced on Tuesday 25 June that more than 240 organisations will share in $1.8 million through the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund.
This will bring Victorians together to learn about cultural identities and celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes up our state.
Grants will support community organisations to host festivals and events from 1 July to 31 December 2024 to share and celebrate culture, build social connections and to preserve our state’s proud cultural diversity.
The funded organisations represent the diverse cultural landscape of Victoria with 200 ethnicities and more than 70 faith groups supported through the latest round of the Multicultural Festivals and Events program.
The Multicultural Festivals and Events fund grant recipients include the Indochinese Elderly Refugee Association who will host a Moon Festival – a traditional celebration of the harvest season, and the full moon with mooncakes, lanterns, and activities.
Mission Smile will receive funding to host the Northern Diwali event in Whittlesea, a day full of music, food, dancing and fun for the local communities.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt said this funding is all about supporting multicultural communities, and fostering a diverse and inclusive society where everyone is celebrated and feels welcome.
“Ensuring Victoria’s diverse communities have every opportunity to celebrate their culture is key to strengthening social connection, inviting all Victorians to learn about and embrace different cultures,” she said.
Grant recipients from the Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund include the Ballarat Hindu Temple & Cultural Centre, to host the Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, a 10-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh.
The Warrnambool Multicultural Association will also receive funding to run the Warrnambool Multicultural Festival, a fun event featuring international foods, performances and cultural engagement for the community.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $40 million to deliver close to 10,000 multicultural festivals and events across the state.
For more information and to view the full list of successful recipients visit: vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.
