The Minns Labor Government is providing $2.5 million in grant funding to help local councils across NSW deliver major multicultural festivals that will light up the calendar next year.
Councils can now apply for funding to stage major festivals and events that showcase and bring together diverse cultures.
A new round of Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants will provide funding for large-scale events that celebrate NSW's cultural diversity and strengthen community connections.
Grants of up to $250,000 are available to bring major multicultural festivals to life between 1 February 2027 and 29 February 2028.
In 2026, the program supported vibrant events including Lakemba Nights during Ramadan, Wagga Wagga's Fusion Botanical Multicultural Festival, the inaugural Kaleidoscope Festival in Bathurst and Parramatta's Lunar New Year Celebrations.
For more information or to apply, visit https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-major-festival-local-council-grants/
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
"Multicultural festivals bring together tens of thousands of people across NSW to share culture, music and traditions, strengthening understanding and connection across our communities.
"That's why the Minns Labor Government is investing $2.5 million to back councils to host large-scale events that celebrate the cultures that make up our state.
"I encourage councils to take the opportunity to apply and help bring their local communities together."
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
"Councils are at the heart of their communities and have an important role in bringing people together.
"Across NSW, multicultural festivals give people the opportunity to share their culture and traditions, while building understanding, connection and a stronger sense of belonging.
These grants will help councils continue that work and support events that strengthen the communities they serve."
Multicultural NSW Acting CEO James Jegasothy said:
"Multicultural NSW is proud to deliver the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program, supporting councils to stage some of the most exciting and vibrant events on the state's social calendar.
"Festivals are more than just a celebration of cultures: they build pride, connection and belonging for everyone in the community."
