Words by Kylie Knight
Moreton Bay Multicultural Fiesta Celebrations and Moreton Bay Region Lunar New Year Festival are among 211 multicultural celebrations in 2021, sharing in more than $1.5 million from the State Government’s Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program.
The program aims to further inclusion, harmony and unity.
State Member for Pumicestone Ali King welcomes funding for local events.
“Our community takes great pride in its diversity and these events have the capacity to bring us even closer together,” Ms King says.
State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan says the region is enriched by people with backgrounds from across the globe, making it a wonderful place to live.
“I am proud to be part of a government that supports multicultural events through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program,” Mr Ryan says.
Support local events
State Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd is encouraging Queenslanders to get out to as many events as possible in 2021 to celebrate the state’s diversity.
“Many of these celebrations have become important fixtures on our social calendars,” Ms Boyd says.
“They are not only great fun with vibrant colour, music, performances and food, they also play an important role in strengthening cross-cultural understanding and inclusion.”
State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting says 2021 is going to be an exciting year after so many events were cancelled this year due to the pandemic.
“Under COVID Safe measures, successful staging of multicultural events in 2021 will further help Queensland unite and recover,” he says.
Time to come together
State Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath says she’s excited to see so many favourite festivals and events returning to the region for next year.
“It is vital that we come together safely and celebrate our cultural diversity, which is undoubtedly one of Queensland’s greatest strengths,” Ms D’Ath says.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Leanne Linard says Queensland is home to people from 220 countries and territories who speak more than 180 languages and identify with more than 110 faiths.
“There’s no doubt Queensland’s diversity is a success story and is a cause for celebration,” she says.
Local organisations to receive funding include:
• Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism Limited: $10,000 for Moreton Bay Region Lunar New Year Festival
• Woodfordia Inc: $10,000 for Folklines Multicultural Programme
• Aiga Samoa Association North Brisbane Inc: $5000 for annual Samoa Independence Celebration and Family unity with multicultural connections
• Brisbane North Chinese Association Inc: $5000 for Dragon Boat Festival and $8000 for Harvest Moon Festival
• Multicultural Association of Caboolture and Surrounds Inc: $8000 for Moreton Bay Multicultural Fiesta Celebrations
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust - St. Andrew's Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre: $5000 for Bribie OPA Greek Festival
• World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc: $6000 for Taiwan Culture Festival in celebration of Lunar New Year
A total of 211 events will receive funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 in 2021.
For more information about the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program and successful applicant visit the website
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