Coalition Government support communities to celebrate Australia’s diversity

The Coalition Government will provide funding to assist 31 organisations across Australia to promote diversity and tolerance through multicultural and arts festivals.

“The Coalition Government is helping to support a strong, cohesive Australian society. We can be immensely proud of the modern, successful nation we have built welcoming migrants from across the world. This funding will help to build an even stronger community no matter our ethnic and cultural backgrounds,” Minister Morrison said.

“Australia’s diversity is a source of great social and economic strength. Apart from indigenous Australians we are all migrants and have all joined Australia to help make it a better place.

“The influence of migrants and their families spanning generations has helped create the nation we know today.

“Events like these festivals and Harmony Day enable us to pause and reflect on the significant contributions that those of all backgrounds have made to Australia,” Minister Morrison said.

Senator Fierravanti-Wells announced the $125,000 in grants at a Harmony Day morning tea event today at Parliament House. This is part of a range of policies and programmes to support settlement and community cohesion with $545 million committed in the 2014-15 Federal Budget over four years.

“People from many parts of the world have not only made this country their home, but have had a major impact on all spheres of life – including in government, in business, in medicine, education, the arts, sport, the community and beyond,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“The Multicultural Arts and Festivals grants will help people to share their own culture and learn about others.

“This builds a greater understanding of our diversity and promotes a sense of belonging for all, regardless of race, culture or religion.

“People will have the opportunity to attend some fantastic, free community events in their area. These range from a one-day festival in Townsville, Queensland, Chinese calligraphy workshops to an innovative drama project in the greater Dandenong region of Victoria, which will involve up to 500 young people,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.