Chinese community organisations across Victoria will receive new funding to help cover the rising cost of hiring venues, with the state government announcing support for more than 140 groups through the 2025-26 Chinese Community Hall Hire program.
The initiative, announced by Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt, aims to ease the impact of increasing venue hire costs, allowing community groups to continue holding regular gatherings, cultural events and social activities without placing extra financial pressure on members.
Grants of up to $40,000 will be shared among organisations in 24 council areas, supporting around 3,500 community events through to early 2027.
The funding is intended to ensure local groups can continue using safe and accessible venues for activities that bring people together, from cultural celebrations and recreational programs to wellbeing sessions and community meetings.
Among the recipients is the Melton Chinese Friendship Association, which will use the funding to continue its weekly dance, singing, cultural exchange and recreational activities. The Xinjiang Chinese Association of Australia will support regular gatherings focused on exercise, wellbeing, social games, talks and cultural celebrations. The Australia Canton Multicultural Development Association will receive support to stage the Melbourne final of the fifth Annual Cantonese Singing Competition.
Victoria is home to almost 430,000 people of Chinese ancestry, according to the state government. Chinese Australians have contributed across business, education, the arts and community life for generations.
The hall hire program forms part of the state’s broader multicultural support initiatives, which seek to help community organisations maintain regular engagement and preserve cultural traditions as operating costs continue to rise.
Ms Stitt said the funding would help Chinese community organisations continue providing opportunities for people to connect.
“Victoria’s Chinese communities have helped to shape our state’s cultural identity. This program will help them continue to connect and grow,” she said.
The government announcement also included criticism of the Liberal Party and One Nation over multicultural policy. Those remarks formed part of the minister’s statement accompanying the funding announcement. No response from the opposition was included in the release.
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
