The Stronger Together Festivals and Events grants, provide not-for-profit groups with funding to host community-led festivities which boost social cohesion and encourage cross-cultural celebrations.
In this first round of grants Buddha’s Light International Association of Australia in Berkeley and the George Cross Flacons Community Centre in Cringila were successful in securing funding support.
The Buddha's Light International Association of Australia will receive $15,000 to host the Nan Tien Multicultural Festival, which will be held from 25 December 2024 through to the 1 January 2025.
This annual event will welcome performing groups from diverse multicultural backgrounds, including lion dancers on New Year’s Day. Arts and crafts groups from various social backgrounds will also set up workshops and stalls at the Temple to demonstrate and share their culture with visitors.
A special New Year's Eve prayer ceremony will be held to pray for harmony and good health.
The New Year’s event will cap off a year of celebrations as the Nan Tien Temple celebrates its 30th anniversary and the Temple’s listing on the State Heritage Register in recognition of its cultural significance.
Additionally, the George Cross Falcons Community Centre, will receive $5,000 to assist with costs associated with hosting the Maltese Community Illawarra Celebration, which was held earlier this month.
The event saw Illawarra Maltese leaders bring the community together to celebrate and share in the Maltese culture.
The festival was followed by Wollongong City Council agreeing to the Member for Wollongong’s request for the Maltese flag to fly on the Community Flagpole on Burelli Street last weekend in recognition of 60th anniversary of Malta Independence Day.
Multicultural NSW administers the grants on behalf of the NSW Government over two rounds each year.
Round 2 of the Stronger Together Festival and Event grants program is now open, for festivities set to run between 1 March and 31 December 2025.
For further information on the grants, please visit: multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-events-festivals/
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:
“Grassroots festivals and events that celebrate our diverse communities are important in celebrating culture and for gaining a greater understanding of the cultural traditions of others in our community.
“They provide an opportunity to share and celebrate different cultures and keep people connected to their homelands.”
“These grants are vital to ensuring that the people of Wollongong can share in the rich social fabric of NSW.
“We are one of the most successful multicultural cities in the world and the people of Wollongong know that the diversity of our community is an asset to be cherished and celebrated.”
