The Victorian Government has released a new grant program aimed at helping Chinese community organisations manage rising venue hire costs, as part of a broader effort to support multicultural groups across the state.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the Chinese Community Hall Hire Program, which will offer grants of up to $40,000 to eligible organisations to host events, workshops and cultural celebrations. The initiative is designed to ensure that community groups can continue to gather in safe and accessible venues without placing additional strain on members facing cost of living pressures.
Applications are now open and will close on 30 March 2026.
The program follows a recent $2 million allocation to the Chinese Community Infrastructure Fund, another measure intended to strengthen facilities and support long term planning within the community. Together, the two streams of funding signal a sustained focus on maintaining community spaces and participation.
Victoria is home to almost 430,000 people of Chinese ancestry, making it one of the largest Chinese diasporas in Australia. Community leaders have previously pointed to venue affordability as an increasing challenge, particularly for volunteer run associations that rely on modest membership fees and fundraising to operate.
Speaking at the launch, Allan said the funding would make it easier for groups to host events and stay connected. “Victoria’s Chinese community is a vital part of our story and we’re proud to help make it easier for groups to host events and connect,” she said.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said the program responds directly to concerns raised by organisations about escalating hire fees. “We’re continuing to back organisations that bring Victorians together while making sure that rising venue costs don’t stand in the way,” she said.
The announcement comes at a time when many community organisations across the state are reassessing budgets in light of higher operating costs. Venue hire often accounts for a large share of event spending, particularly for festivals, language classes and cultural workshops that require accessible and compliant facilities.
While government funding will be welcomed by many groups, some sector advocates have previously called for longer term certainty around multicultural funding streams, arguing that short term grants can make planning difficult. The government maintains that the hall hire program, alongside infrastructure funding, provides both immediate relief and structural support.
Details on eligibility criteria and application requirements are available here.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
