The Allan Labor Government is proudly supporting Victorians right across the state, as vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations commence this weekend.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today joined the local community in Richmond at their annual Victoria Street Lunar Festival - which attracts thousands of Victorians each year.
Hosted by the Victoria Street Business Association, the Labor Government has invested $400,000 to ensure this important event continues, stronger than ever - delivering on a key election commitment.
The Victoria Street Lunar New Year festival showcases Asian culture and traditions, featuring live music performances, lion dances, firecracker displays, and even a banh mi eating competition.
It is estimated 10 per cent of the Victorian population celebrate Lunar New Year, for Vietnamese communities this celebration is also known as Tết.
Delivering their events across the month, the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Incorporated, Springvale Asian Business Association Incorporated and Vietnamese Community in Australia - Victoria Chapter, have also received a multi-year investment of $400,000 to support their new year celebrations for the next four years.
Multiculturalism makes our state stronger and more vibrant - and festivals and events are an important celebration of our diversity.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested more than $69 million over four years to support multicultural and multifaith communities and organisations to hold cultural events for their local communities.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $4 million in funding to support Victoria's Lunar New Year celebrations through a variety of programs, projects and initiatives.
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
"Lunar New Year is an incredibly special time for many Victorians and we're proud to be supporting so many organisations celebrate with their community."
"We're continuing to invest in the future of our vibrant multicultural communities and creating more opportunities for local traders to thrive."
