The NSW Government is 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.
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,” Coure said.
“This funding will help each of these councils take their events and festivals to the next level.”
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the partnerships “will ensure these celebrations benefit their communities directly”.
“Local councils are the level of government closest to the community, so the NSW Government working directly with councils in our six cities” 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.
Successful councils can use the funding for festivals in 2023 and 2024.
Among the larger festivals being funded include the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s Ramadan Nights Lakemba, which has received one million dollars, and Willoughby City Council’s Emerge Festival, which was granted $980,000.
