The Victorian government today announced more than $885,000 in funding to support 476 festivals and events around the state celebrating the State’s rich multiculturalism.
“Victoria is a proudly diverse state and our acceptance and understanding of each other’s differences has made this state what it is today,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne said.
The new funding will allow more Victorian communities to showcase and share their diverse cultures, traditions and food with others.
Every year, the Multicultural Festivals and Events program provides funding to hold cultural and national day celebrations, sporting carnivals, conferences and exhibitions.
“Supporting these multicultural events are just one way we celebrate our heritage – I urge all Victorians to get along to a festival near them,” Minister Wynee said.
This year’s funding will support events being held between July and December, including:
- The first year of the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace Festival
- A festival celebrating the establishment of Melbourne’s first mosque
- The Pasifika Festival in Shepparton
- A multi-faith food festival at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo
- The Taiwan Festival, the Mexican Festival and the Somali National Day Celebration.
This funding support adds to the $350,000 pre-election commitment promised by Labor to fund 11 major multicultural events.
Supporting multicultural events is one way to embrace diversity and enrich Victoria’s cultural heritage by giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience something new.
Victoria is one of the most diverse places in the world, with almost every second person either being born overseas or having at least one parent who was born overseas.
Victoria is home to communities from more than 200 different countries, speaking more than 260 languages and dialects and following 135 religious faiths.
In the first half of this year, more than 900 applications were submitted to the 2019/20 program.
Applications are assessed against program guidelines and considered by an independent panel, including representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Creative Victoria and Visit Victoria.
For a full list of successful applicants, visit multicultural.vic.gov.au.
