The Andrews Labor Government is helping even more multicultural and multifaith communities hold events to celebrate their culture and traditions, including here in Wyndham.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence recently announced $750,000 for 205 community organisations across the state to deliver COVIDSafe multicultural festivals and events held between now and the end of June.

$12,963.00 will be invested in six organisations across Werribee, including RusTalk Incorporated, DYC Australia, International Council for Engineers, Warrior Women, Bengali Society of Melbourne Inc, and Tamu Samaj Victoria.

Other events include the Melbourne Italian Fiesta and SalamFest, alongside smaller events like the Geelong Nepalese Association’s Holi Festival, which is expected to attract around 200 people.

All events will adhere to COVIDSafe settings, with many organisations choosing to continue hosting digital events.

The Castlemaine State Festival will receive funding to support its popular opening night celebration, featuring award-winning singer-songwriter and activist Ajak Kwai who sings of her exile from South Sudan as a refugee, in Arabic, English and her native Dinka language.

With Victoria’s iconic entertainment and events industry impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, this funding aims to support the safe return of festivals and events to the state’s cultural calendar and support the revitalisation of our economy.

The Labor Government is also delivering on its commitments to Greek and Hindu communities, with $200,000 for events celebrating the bicentenary of Greece’s independence and $50,000 to support various Hindu organisations host events.

For a full list of events, visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence

“Victorians have a lot to celebrate after a very challenging year and the Multicultural Festivals and Events program will support our communities to safely come together and do just that.”  

“We know that sharing and preserving culture is part of what makes Victoria such a successful multicultural society – and this will continue.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee

“Victoria is made up of many cultures, languages and traditions – one of the best ways to showcase that is by coming together and sharing that with one another.”

“It is fantastic news to see so many local organisations supported to hold events for Wyndham to enjoy – I encourage everyone to get involved.”