Local Council Major Festival partnerships inject $4M into festivals celebrating cultural diversity

Wednesday 5 March 2025

The NSW Government is investing almost $4 million to support major festivals across twenty councils in NSW, reinforcing the state’s commitment to multiculturalism and cultural celebration.

Whether it’s dazzling Lunar New Year festivals across Sydney, the lively sounds of tribal drum performances in Liverpool’s Motherland African Festival, the fragrant aromas of a world food village in Wagga Wagga’s Fusion Botanical festival or a multicultural festival in Coffs Harbour bringing First Nations and newer arrivals together to share their rich traditions of arts, music, food, and histories, these events showcase the rich cultural diversity of local communities in New South Wales.

Funded under the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival program, these festivals serve as a vital platform to bring together people from different backgrounds to share traditions and experiences.

In previous years, more than 30 per cent of the NSW population has attended a festival or event supported by the NSW Government.

The major festivals also provide an economic boost for local businesses with visitors supporting the local economy through accommodation, meals and other purchases.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Our state is home to people from more than 310 different ancestries, and festivals are a wonderful way of fostering greater understanding and bringing us all together.”

“These events boost local economies while showcasing the rich cultural traditions of our communities.”

“The NSW events calendar is brimming with cultural celebrations and through this funding, the NSW Government continues to champion initiatives that celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of its communities.”