Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival, Lockyer Valley Multicultural Festival and Toowoomba International Food Festival and Mosque Open Day are just some of the record number of 211 multicultural celebrations in 2021, sharing in more than $1.5 million from the Palaszczuk Government's Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program, aimed at furthering inclusion, harmony and unity.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Leanne Linard encouraged 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 the social calendar in this region," Ms Linard said.
"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.
"Unfortunately, most multicultural events had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Under COVID Safe measures, successful staging of multicultural events in 2021 will further help Queensland unite and recover.
"So, it is vital that we come together safely and celebrate our cultural diversity, which is undoubtedly one of Queensland's greatest strengths.
"Our state 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 that Queensland's diversity is a success story and is a cause for celebration."
Organisations to receive funding include:
- West Toowoomba Croquet Club Inc.- $3,000 for Cultural Diversity Celebration
- Spirit of the Valley Events Inc - $10,000 for Lockyer Valley Multicultural Festival
- You Belong Australia Ltd - $3,000 for youBelong Art Exhibition
- Toowoomba International Multicultural Society Inc. - $20,000 for Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival
- Toowoomba Islamic Charitable Organisation Pty Ltd - $7,000 for Toowoomba International Food Festival and Mosque Open Day
- Philippine Australia Cultural Society of the Darling Downs Inc. - $8,000 for Celebrating Philippine Independence Day through Sports and Cultural Exchanges
A total of 211 events will receive funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 in 2021.
