Cultural diversity celebrations and projects boosted

Community organisations and local councils across Queensland will receive $1 million of government funding to stage events and projects celebrating cultural diversity this year.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the 174 successful applications, 47 more than last year, under the Multicultural Queensland Partnerships Program 2011-12.

"These events and projects bring people from all backgrounds together to celebrate our rich cultural diversity and strengthen Queensland's multicultural identity.

"This annual grants round initiative supports culturally diverse community groups and organisations to deliver events and projects that promote multiculturalism," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"This year the grants have been extended to 47 more applications than in 2011, reflecting the growing enthusiasm of many groups in our community who support multiculturalism and due in part to $200,000 of additional funds being made available for the program this year. "

Events and projects include:

• Gold Coast Multicultural Festival
• Paniyiri Greek Festival
• African Day 2012 Festival
• Australian Sudanese skills development workshops
• Mt Isa Multicultural Festival
• an interactive website focusing on Australian and South Sea Islander community history
• the 2012 Pacific Communities Festival in Cairns
• Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival
• a driver education initiative in Bundaberg
• the Iranian Society of Queensland's Persian New Year.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Multicultural Queensland Partnerships Program was a key initiative in the Queensland Government's new multicultural policy: A multicultural future for all of us.

"The grants are allocated to events and projects that strengthen multiculturalism, foster harmonious community relations and build community capacity," she said.

"With almost 18 per cent of Queenslanders born outside of Australia, we have a great opportunity to host events and activities that capture and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists in our state.

"Many cultures make up Queensland and the applicant organisations and community groups should be applauded for embracing and promoting multiculturalism, even when things get tough.

"Last year's summer of floods affected many communities and a range of events across the state had to be rescheduled and in some cases cancelled.

"I look forward to attending Queensland's many multicultural celebrations throughout the next year and enjoying the celebrations of the diverse cultures hosted by our amazing hardworking communities."

For further details visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/multicultural

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
01/02/2012
Cultural diversity celebrations and projects boosted

Permanent Link: Cultural diversity celebrations and projects boosted
Publish Date: 01 Feb 12

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