Applications open for multicultural events funding

Queenslanders are set to enjoy more festivals and events in 2020 that celebrate cultural diversity, with applications now open to share in $1.4 million funding under the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Stirling Hinchliffe said multicultural festivals have become important community events across Queensland.

“Many of these celebrations of cultural diversity are firmly entrenched on the social calendar in regions, towns and cities throughout the State, and woven into the fabric of those communities,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“They promote cross-cultural understanding, connectedness and community participation, and play an important role in helping to build a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland.

“Our State is a multicultural success story, home to people from 220 different countries and territories who speak more than 180 languages at home and identify with over 110 different faiths.

“In 2019, 152 events are sharing in funding through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program, which is fantastic because Queensland’s cultural diversity is certainly worth celebrating.

“Now we are looking ahead to 2020, and I urge eligible event organisers, groups, associations and councils to submit applications for funding to help bring their celebrations to the communities.”

Previous and current events funded under the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program include the Australian Italian Festival in Ingham, Buddha Birth Day Festival at Southbank, Burdekin Cultural Fair, Dalby's Delicious & DeLIGHTful Festival, the Mareeba Multicultural Festival, African Festival Townsville and Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival.

The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program is an annual program that provides funding towards multicultural events and projects that engage people from culturally diverse backgrounds; including people who arrived in Australia as migrants or refugees, people seeking asylum, members of diverse cultural groups and the wider community to contribute to building a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland.

Applications can be submitted online through SmartyGrants until 29 July 2019. For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/cmq-program   

ENDS

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548