A record 211 multicultural celebrations will be held across Queensland in 2021, sharing in more than $1.5 million from the Palaszczuk Government's Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program, aimed at furthering inclusion, harmony and unity.
With 19 new applications being funded, including the Durga Puja Festival, Thargomindah Spring Feast and Family Multicultural HungaroFest, Queenslanders will be able to get out and celebrate our diversity in 2021.
Crowd favourites such as the Luminous Lantern Parade, Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival and Buddha Birth Day Festival will return next year with support from the program.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Leanne Linard said it was more important than ever to get out to as many events as possible in 2021 to celebrate Queensland's diversity.
"Many of these celebrations have become important fixtures on the social calendar of towns and cities throughout Queensland," Ms Linard said.
"They are not only great fun with vibrant colour, music, performances and food, they also play an important role in strengthening cross-cultural understanding and inclusion.
"Unfortunately, most multicultural events had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Under COVID Safe measures, successful staging of multicultural events in 2021 will further help Queensland unite and recover.
"So, it is vital that we come together safely and celebrate our cultural diversity, which is undoubtedly one of Queensland's greatest strengths.
"Our state is home to people from 220 different countries and territories who speak more than 180 languages and identify with over 110 different faiths.
"There's no doubt that Queensland's diversity is a success story and is a cause for celebration."
A total of 211 events will receive funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 in 2021.
