MORE FUNDING TO CELEBRATE OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka today announced that funding is available for events that help bring communities together and celebrate our cultural diversity.

The Multicultural NSW Celebration Grants provide funding of up to $5,000 for festivals and events that bring communities together, showcase the benefits of cultural diversity and promote social cohesion.

“Our diverse and harmonious multicultural community is undoubtedly something we should celebrate,” Mr Ajaka said.

“Importantly, beneath all the fun and entertainment, these events convey important messages about cultural diversity and social cohesion.”

Last financial year, more than 100 local community events received funding under the Celebration Grants program. One example was the Ritmo Brazilian Festival organized by the Brazilian Community Council of Australia who received funding through the Celebration Grants Program.

“Ritmo 2015 was a huge success. We had a record attendance of 23,000 people enjoying the street festival of food, music, dance and kids entertainment. It was crowned one of the top five festivals in Darling Harbour last year,” Event Director Cinthia Nascimento said.

“The grant was a big help for us in 2015 and now we are working on our next street party in June which is also supported by a Celebration Grant. We are grateful for Multicultural NSW’s ongoing support.”

Only not- for-profit community organisations and local councils staging events for the entire community are eligible to apply and applications close 17 June 2016. Applications open three times a year.

Projects are assessed on how many people are likely to attend, whether the project will benefit intercultural understanding and be cost effective.

For more information about the Multicultural NSW Grants Program, visit http://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/