Media Releases

NSW Government partners with 15 councils to host major cultural events and festivals

Mark Coure – Minister for Multiculturalism, Minister for Seniors
Wendy Tuckerman – Minister for Local Government

Monday, 7 November 2022

to host major multicultural events and festivals in partnership with the NSW Government. 

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,” Mr Coure said.

“This funding will help each of these councils take their events and festivals to the next level.”

Blacktown City Council
Campbelltown City Council
City of Canterbury-Bankstown
Cumberland City Council
Georges River Council
Inner West Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
Liverpool City Council
Maitland City Council
City of Newcastle
Port Stephens Council
Shellharbour City Council
Strathfield Council
Willoughby City Council
Wollongong City Council  

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the partnerships will be a real win for the residents and visitors of local communities.

“Local Councils are the level of government closest to the community, so the NSW Government working directly with councils in our six cities will ensure these celebrations benefit their communities directly,” Mrs 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. All successful councils will partner with the NSW Government and co-fund to host events. For more information, visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au  

MEDIA: Scott Hodder | Minister Coure | 0455 094 282

Damien Bolte | Minister Tuckerman | 0498 359 624

Funding recipients include:

  Council  FestivalFunding over two years
Liverpool City CouncilMotherland African Cultural Festival Pacific Summer Primavera Latin American Festival$800,000
Cumberland City CouncilLunar New Year Ramadan Street Food Festival Diwali$700,000
Willoughby City CouncilLunar New Year Gai-mariagal Festival Emerge Festival$980,000
Strathfield CouncilStrathfield Festival$468,000
Inner West CouncilCulture X Ashfield$137,454.80
City of Canterbury BankstownRamadan Nights Lakemba$1,000,000
Wollongong City CouncilDancePlant Festival$625,000
Port Stephens CouncilWinter Heat Raymond Terrace$100,000
Shellharbour City CouncilCultural Treasures – Enchanted Forest$400,000
Blacktown City CouncilFlavours of Blacktown$500,000
City of NewcastleNew Annual$400,000
Georges River CouncilThe Good Taste Festival featuring Lunar New Year$240,000
Maitland City CouncilMaitland Riverlights Multicultural Festival$650,000
Campbelltown City CouncilCampbelltown Ramadan Night Markets$600,000
Lake Macquarie City CouncilLiving Smart Festival Weekend$400,000