Sykes: Multicultural Festival and Events Grants

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has urged not-for-profit organisations and local councils to apply for funding through the 2008-09 round one of the Multicultural Festivals and Events grants.

Dr Sykes said the program is administered through the Victorian Multicultural Commission and there is a pool of $400,000 being made available to 400 groups.

Preference will be given to applications which support major festivals, conferences and special ethnic community events. Festivals and events must be held between July 2008 and January 2009.

“This has been a valuable program in the past with local councils being successful with applications for street festivals, theatre performance, an annual dinner dance, community luncheons, conferences and forums,” Dr Sykes said.

Dr Sykes said he was constantly asked about government funding for rural communities during his visits around the electorate.

“I encourage groups and local councils within the electorate to develop a good submission by carefully studying the selection criteria,” he said.

Applications must be received by Friday 11 April 2008 and mailed to The Victorian Multicultural Commission, GPO Box 2392, Melbourne VIC 3001. Application forms and guidelines can be obtained from www.multicultural.vic.gov.au in word format. Completed applications can be sent to info@vmc.vic.gov.au or for further information call Information Victoria 1300 366 356 or the Festival and Events program coordinator Mr Marcus Schutenko on 03 9208 3181.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Grants Researcher, Peta Clark at Bill Sykes’ office on 5762 2100.