Nine community organisations in Far North Queensland will share in $43,000 of State Government grants to stage multicultural festivals and celebrations in 2010.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the 98 successful applicants across the State under the Bligh Government’s Multicultural Assistance Program 2009-10.
“This is great news for Queensland’s multicultural communities and great news for multiculturalism in Far North Queensland,” she said.
“These grants will help bring together Queenslanders from all backgrounds to celebrate our rich cultural diversity.
“This year, the grants will be extended to more than 20 extra Queensland organisations which are strengthening the State’s multicultural identity.”
Far North Queensland MPs Curtis Pitt, Steve Wettenhall and Jason O’Brien welcomed the funding boost from the Bligh Government.
Member for Mulgrave Mr Pitt said the funding would help local community groups stage multicultural festivals and events.
“We want to bring our communities together to celebrate the many cultures that make up Queensland,” he said.
Member for Barron River Mr Wettenhall said the organisations and community groups should be applauded for embracing and promoting multiculturalism.
“Events in 2009 were well attended and I look forward to attending these multicultural celebrations throughout the year,” he said.
Member for Cook Mr O’Brien said multicultural was rich in Far North Queensland and the funding was a sign the Bligh Government recognised the importance of promoting cultural diversity.
“The Bligh Government is committed giving Queenslanders of all cultures every opportunity to celebrate their cultural and experience the cultures of the friends and neighbours,” Mr O’Brien said.
Events include:
- Year of the Tiger – Chinese New Year Celebration – $2,500
- Fiji Day Celebration – $1,000
- Big Talk One Fire Cultural Celebration – $1,500
- Tropical Wave Festival 2010 – $9,000
- Cassowary Regional Arts Council – Cultural and Dance Festival – $7,500
- Cassowary Regional Arts Council – Harvest Festival – $6,000
- Malaruch Aboriginal Corp. – Weipa Fest – $2,000
- Tablelands Regional Council – Mareeba Multicultural Festival – $8,500
- Pacific Communities Council FNQ – Pacific Communities Festival – $5,000
Ms Palaszczuk said almost one in five Queenslanders was born overseas.
“With almost 18 per cent of Queenslanders born outside Australia, we have a great opportunity to host events and activities that capture and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists in our state,” she said.
“Queensland has a proud history of welcoming immigrants and visitors, and we value their cultural and economic contribution to the State.”
The Multicultural Assistance Program is a key component of the Bligh Government’s Multicultural Policy, Multicultural Queensland – making a world of difference.
For further details on the Multicultural Assistance Program, including funding categories, visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au.
Recent Comments