NSW Government to partner with local councils to host major cultural festivals

·

People wanting to experience the world will now be able to enjoy everything other cultures have to offer at home, thanks to the NSW Government offering million-dollar investments into major council-run cultural festivals and events. 

Grant funding of up to $500,000 a year for two years is now available for local councils across the state’s Six Cities to host major cultural events in partnership with the NSW Government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this partnership will benefit the state’s Six Cities Regions, including celebrating our rich diversity, driving tourism and boosting local economies. 

“We are talking about working with councils to host events that will attract tens of thousands of people from far and wide that want to experience our state’s diverse cultures,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“By partnering with councils, we will be able to support them cater for bigger crowds, which will benefit their local economies and especially small businesses.”

This funding has been made available thanks to the NSW’s 2022-23 Budget, which saw a record $28 million invested into the state’s multicultural future.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said cultural events help celebrate NSW’s greatest asset—its people.

Greek festival in Sydney.

“Councils in our major cities all have a major event that is synonymous with their local community, whether it be Lunar New Year, the Mid Autumn Festival, Ramadan, Diwali or even Christmas,” Mr Coure said.

“Every year, people wait in anticipation for those events to enjoy the vibrancy, the colour and the culture they are known for. That is the beauty of our multiculturalism—you don’t need to travel overseas to experience other cultures. You can do it right here in NSW.”

All councils across the state’s Six Cities are eligible to apply to support existing major cultural events or to establish a new one. 

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils understand local needs, and were best placed to drive social and cultural events.

“Local Councils are the level of government closest to the community, so the NSW Government working directly with councils in our six cities will ensure these celebrations benefit their communities directly,” Mrs Tuckerman said. 

“By partnering with councils, we are boosting local cultural celebrations led by local leaders, helping to cater for bigger crowds so tourists can experience everything their city has to offer.” 

The Six Cities Regions comprise of the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.

Successful councils can use the funding for festivals held in 2023 and 2024. Successful councils must partner with the NSW Government and co-fund to host events.

Applications open on Friday, 9 September and close on Friday, 14 October. For more information, visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au  

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Meet Andriana Simos: Panel moderator for International Women’s Day event in Sydney

Andriana Simos is panel moderator for the Greek Festival of Sydney's and The Greek Herald's International Women's Day event.

Melbourne’s Greek precinct comes to life as restrictions ease

Lockdown restrictions in Melbourne lifted as of midnight last night with people able to leave their home for any reason. Oakleigh, Melbourne's Greek precinct,...

OEEGA NSW radiothon returns to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Institute

Since 2007, OEEGA NSW has raised over $450,000 supporting the Children Cancer Institute's (CCI) research efforts.