The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating and supporting the vibrant and diverse cultures and traditions of Victoria’s multicultural communities.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced 269 community organisations will share in almost $1.6 million in funding to run multicultural festivals and events throughout Victoria.

The grants will assist multicultural community organisations across the state to celebrate and share their culture with all Victorians. Funding will be allocated towards events between 1 January and 30 June 2023.

More than 245 ethnicities will be supported through this program. This includes more than 100 new and emerging migrant community organisations.

Events supported by the program include Holi Festival 2023, hosted by the Ballarat Indian Association, and Whittlesea Colour Carnival, the annual festival of colours that celebrates Holi in communities across Victoria and is hosted by Mission Smile.

The African Music and Cultural Festival is also receiving support to host its 10th annual event, which will bring the tastes, sounds and rhythms of African culture to the Immigration Museum.

Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival will take place in February 2023, with hosts Sunshine Business Association expecting more than 50,000 community members to join in the festivities.

Since November 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $25 million to support 6,300 multicultural festivals and events across Victoria.

For more information visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.