The state’s events calendar just got bigger thanks to the NSW Government investing $8 million into 21 major cultural festivals and events run by local councils across Sydney, the Hunter and Newcastle, and the Illawarra.
Grant funding of up to $500,000 a year for two years has been awarded to 15 local councils across the state’s Six Cities regions to host major multicultural events and festivals in partnership with the NSW Government.
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said each partnership with the councils will help make their events bigger tourism attractions and local economy boosters.
“To have 21 different multicultural events hosted by 15 councils across the state’s Six Cities regions is a testament to NSW’s rich cultural and religious diversity,” Mr Coure said.
“This funding will help each of these councils take their events and festivals to the next level.”
| Blacktown City Council Campbelltown City Council City of Canterbury Bankstown Cumberland City Council Georges River Council Inner West Council Lake Macquarie City Council Liverpool City Council | Maitland City Council City of Newcastle Port Stephens Council Shellharbour City Council Strathfield Council Willoughby City Council Wollongong City Council |
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the partnerships will be a real win for the residents and visitors of local communities.
“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 the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.
Funding recipients include:
| Council | Festival | Funding over two years |
| Liverpool City Council | Motherland African Cultural Festival Pacific Summer Primavera Latin American Festival | $800,000 |
| Cumberland City Council | Lunar New Year Ramadan Street Food Festival Diwali | $700,000 |
| Willoughby City Council | Lunar New Year Gai-mariagal Festival Emerge Festival | $980,000 |
| Strathfield Council | Strathfield Festival | $468,000 |
| Inner West Council | Culture X Ashfield | $137,454.80 |
| City of Canterbury Bankstown | Ramadan Nights Lakemba | $1,000,000 |
| Wollongong City Council | DancePlant Festival | $625,000 |
| Port Stephens Council | Winter Heat Raymond Terrace | $100,000 |
| Shellharbour City Council | Cultural Treasures – Enchanted Forest | $400,000 |
| Blacktown City Council | Flavours of Blacktown | $500,000 |
| City of Newcastle | New Annual | $400,000 |
| Georges River Council | The Good Taste Festival featuring Lunar New Year | $240,000 |
| Maitland City Council | Maitland Riverlights Multicultural Festival | $650,000 |
| Campbelltown City Council | Campbelltown Ramadan Night Markets | $600,000 |
| Lake Macquarie City Council | Living Smart Festival Weekend | $400,000 |
