The Allan Labor Government is providing substantial support for multicultural festivals and events across Victoria, with a significant funding boost aimed at helping communities celebrate their rich culture, heritage, and traditions.
From the Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund, the Ballarat Hindu Temple & Cultural Centre will host Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, a 10-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh. The Warrnambool Multicultural Association will also receive funding to organise the Warrnambool Multicultural Festival, a lively event showcasing international foods, performances, and cultural engagement.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, announced today that over 240 organisations will benefit from a total of $1.8 million through the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund. This initiative aims to unite Victorians, allowing them to learn about and celebrate the vibrant diversity that defines the state.
These grants will empower community organisations to host a variety of festivals and events between 1 July and 31 December 2024. The goal is to share and celebrate diverse cultures, build social connections, and preserve Victoria’s proud cultural diversity. The funded organisations reflect Victoria’s diverse cultural landscape, representing 200 ethnicities and more than 70 faith groups.
Among the recipients of the Multicultural Festivals and Events fund is the Indochinese Elderly Refugee Association, which will host a Moon Festival. This traditional celebration of the harvest season will feature mooncakes, lanterns, and various activities. Mission Smile will also receive funding to host the Northern Diwali event in Whittlesea, offering a day filled with music, food, dancing, and fun for local communities.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested over $40 million to deliver nearly 10,000 multicultural festivals and events across Victoria. This ongoing support underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive society where everyone feels celebrated and welcome.
Minister Ingrid Stitt emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “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.”
For more information and to view the full list of successful recipients, visit
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