A proposed increase in state government funding for the Semaphore Greek Festival was announced on Saturday, January 17, during the festival’s official opening ceremony at the Semaphore foreshore.
Speaking to the crowd, Peter Malinauskas outlined a plan to increase annual funding for the festival from $30,000 to $50,000, alongside a four-year funding commitment valued at $200,000, subject to the government being re-elected.
“So tonight, I’m very pleased to announce that the Labor Government, if we’re re-elected at the election, we’re going to increase the funding for this festival from $30,000 a year to $50,000 a year,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“And then what we’re going to do is we’re going to give you a once-off. So we’re going to provide guaranteed funding over the four-year cycle… for $200,000.”
The Premier praised the scale of the community effort behind the event, noting the strong intergenerational involvement of volunteers.
“I was just getting around with John, talking with the volunteers, with the leader of this event,” he said. “It always impresses me the way that we see out here not just volunteers working, but families of volunteers.”
He also highlighted the broader social value of multicultural festivals at a time of global uncertainty.
“At a time around the world where we see so many communities being torn apart, people racing trying to find differences with one another, I’ve got to say I think there’s a value in something very special about multicultural communities opening up their hearts with warmth and generosity,” he said.
“When we invest in that, when we make these things happen, what we’re really choosing to do is make sure that South Australia remains not just one of the most prosperous societies anywhere in the world, but one of the most inclusive and one of the most peaceful.”
President of the Port Adelaide Greek Orthodox Community, John Douvartzidis, welcomed the funding announcement, thanking the South Australian Government for its continued support and acknowledging the importance of long-term backing for a volunteer-run community festival.
The Semaphore Greek Festival, now in its 45th year, is organised by the Port Adelaide Greek Orthodox Community and delivered by more than 300 volunteers, drawing thousands of visitors to the Semaphore foreshore each January for traditional food, music and dance.
The funding announcement was made as the South Australian Government approaches the end of its current term, with the next state election scheduled for March 21, 2026. Any funding increase would be subject to the outcome of that election.
The proposed commitment would provide increased financial support for one of South Australia’s longest-running multicultural festivals, which continues to play a prominent role in celebrating Greek culture while welcoming the wider community.
