A local state MP has backed Cassowary Regional Arts Council to save the much loved multicultural celebration at Innisfail’s Karnivale.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the multicultural celebration [10 October] would form part of the month-long Innisfail Karnivale, the longest running end of harvest festival in Queensland.
“Earlier this year we couldn’t find anyone to organise this year’s festival but the Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt worked with the community to highlight Cassowary Regional Arts Council as a potential organiser,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Mr Pitt initially drew my attention to the situation and has since worked closely with Multicultural Affairs Queensland to secure $9000 funding for the Arts Council and to ensure the popular multicultural celebration continued in 2009.”
Under the theme Rites and Rituals of Diverse Cultural Communities, the program at this year’s multicultural event will include wedding customs in different cultures, craft making, Thai pumpkin carving workshops, a photographic exhibition, Greek tea culture, and diverse cultural music and dances.
Mr Pitt said the event was important to Innisfail’s cultural harmony and gave locals a chance to explore the different cultural elements of the community.
“I was very glad to hear the Arts Councils would receive funding for the event and I know there is a large contingent in our community that feels the same way,” Mr Pitt said.
“The multicultural festival highlights the many nationalities and cultures in our region and brings the Innisfail community together to celebrate their diversity.
“The Innisfail region has a real international flavour with residents coming from all over the world – Italy, England, New Zealand, India and Laos.
“This is an indication that the Bligh Government understand the importance of cultural diversity in the regional areas of Queensland; I thank Minister Palaszczuk for her cooperation and the cooperation of Multicultural Affairs Queensland,” he said.
The multicultural event will take place at Calendar Park on Ernest Street on Saturday 10 October 2009.
For more information on how the Department of Communities is delivering innovative community services to support and strengthen individuals, families, or communities; visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au.
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