Tens of thousands of people will gather across the state at celebrations hosted by Victoria’s diverse multicultural communities over the next month – supported by the Allan Labor Government’s $12 million investment to promote and grow our multicultural festivals.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt is encouraging Victorians to join in the celebrations across the state including the 36^th Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival which is taking place this weekend.

Backed by an investment of $800,000 by the Labor Government and hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne, the festival features performances from local and international Greek artists alongside traditional foods, dancing and activities over two days.

Geelong’s Pakington Street will come to life this weekend with Cultura’s Pako Festa – backed by an $800,000 investment by the Labor Government – the event is a showcase of arts, music, dance and traditional foods in celebration of the region’s multicultural communities.

The 45^th Johnston Street Fiesta is also set to welcome Victorians this weekend with colourful costumes, dancing, and music seeing the return of the two-day Hispanic Latin festival that the Labor Government has supported with $400,000 in funding.

The Moreland Turkish Association will also receive $50,000 in funding to host their 2024 Turkish Pazar Festival with a celebration of Turkish culture across two days at the Queen Victoria Market from 2-3 March.

This funding will ensure Victoria’s diverse communities can continue to celebrate their cultural identity and heritage and will further strengthen Victoria’s growing multiculturalism now and into the future.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested more than $69 million to support our multicultural and multifaith communities.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $36 million to deliver close to 10,000 multicultural festivals and events across Victoria.