The Allan Labor Government continues to support Victoria’s vibrant calendar of multicultural festivals and events, with more funding available for communities to celebrate and share culture and traditions through the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program (MFE).

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today announced that grants of up to $50,000 are available through a new round of the MFE Program and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund to host festivals and events that promote and celebrate cultural diversity and foster inclusivity for all Victorians.

Applications in this round will support festivals and events held between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2025.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $40 million to deliver almost 10,000 multicultural festivals and events across the state.

Previous recipients include Africare Community Services for the AfriVibes in Wodonga Festival 2024, a celebration of art, craft, food and performance held in August.

The Australia Mission of Sai Inc. received funding for the inaugural Kingston Diwali, and the Chinese Alliance of Australia also received funding for the Moon Festival 2024 Celebration.

Applications are now open and close on 25 October 2024, with submissions from rural and regional communities, and new and emerging communities with recent humanitarian needs prioritised.

For more information or to submit an application, visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt

“We're continuing to back our diverse communities with funding for multicultural events and festivals – bringing Victorians together to share their traditions and celebrations across the state.”

“This latest round of multicultural festivals and events funding will support events right across Victoria, including in rural and regional parts of the state, bringing communities together to celebrate the cultural diversity we have right here in Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to Kat Theophanous, Member for Northcote

“Our multicultural communities make the inner north such a special place. This funding empowers local groups to celebrate and share their unique cultures, enriching the diversity that defines Northcote and strengthens our sense of unity and belonging.”