Children will be at the heart of many applications for QLD multicultural funding

Applications are now open for the $1 million Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program, with many of the festivals and events funded in previous years being lauded as ways to support children to meaningfully connect with and contribute to their communities. 

Queensland Minister for Multicultural Affairs Stirling Hinchliffe said there is “no question” that diversity is one of the state’s greatest strengths, noting that the events funded in previous years of the program are “vibrant, interactive and enjoyable” ways of celebrating multiculturalism.

Tamihana Johnston, a performer at Te Korowai Aroha – Waitangi at Twilight in Logan, said the annual festival held is an important part of supporting young Maori children to maintain connection to culture, and explore performance. 

“Getting up on stage gives the younger ones an idea of what can be done,” he said, saying the event “gives them the confidence to get up there and do it too”.

Queensland is home to people from 220 different countries and territories who speak more than 180 languages and identify with over 110 different faiths, making multicultural events an important part of the State’s social landscape.

For Marissa Papageorge, a traditional Greek dance teacher who oversees much of the stage performances at the Greek Fest Glendi held annually in Townsville, the participation of children is a vital component of the success of the day. 

“The most important thing is watching the children of the Greek community practicing all year round and then seeing the smiles on their faces when they perform and seeing the smiles on the faces of the broader community watching,” Ms Papageorge said.

“It’s wonderful to see the children embracing their cultural heritage and the Townsville community embracing it as well.”

Events that had been successful in gaining funding for 2020, but which had been postponed until 2021 because of COVID restrictions would not need to apply for funding in this round, Mr Hinchliffe said. 

For all other events to be held in 2021, he called on eligible organisations, groups and associations to submit an application and help bring their event to the community.

Applications can be submitted online through SmartyGrants until 25 September 2020. 

For more information, please see here.