Daniel Andrews, leader of the opposition, and shadow minister for multicultural affairs, has announced the Labor government led by him will provide $30,000 each year during its first term towards the iconic annual Holi festival celebrations over four years. The Australian lndian Innovations Inc (Alll) Holi Festival at Sandown Racecourse – which has been celebrated for seven years — is one of the most prominent multicultural events in Victoria.
Abundant performances, activities and food make the Holi Festival at Sandown Racecourse among the most-awaited annual events, attracting over 15,000 people in 2014. Labor’s announcement reaffirms its commitment to the lndian community in Victoria.
Jude Perera, Labor Member for Cranbourne, announced funding to Alll Holi Festival along with Judith Graley, Labor Member for Narre Warren South. Vernon Da Gama (President), Hari Yellina (Vice-President), Sunil Kumar (Secretary) and Harjinder Soni from Alll were also present including many local residents of lndian origin.
It was announced that an Andrews Labor Government will also create an lndian cultural precinct to recognise and celebrate the contribution the communities of the subcontinent play in Victoria. The location of the precinct will be determined after a full consultation and master planning process is undertaken in the first term of Government.
“Victoria’s lndian community is Australia’s largest and Labor will support Holi celebrations to honour the contribution of the lndian community to our great state,” said Mr Perera.
“Labor also recognises this community is changing and that newly arrived migrants from India need support to settle here,” he added.
“Labor’s funding support will make the annual Holi festival bigger and better,” said Mr Perera.
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