The NSW Government says it will partner with local councils to host major cultural festivals. 

The government is offering million-dollar investments into major council-run cultural festivals and events, in the form of grant funding of up to $500,000 a year for two years for local councils across the state’s Six Cities.

The funding will allow the regions to host major cultural events. The Six Cities Regions include the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the partnership will benefit the state’s regions - celebrating diversity, driving tourism and boosting local economies.

“We are talking about working with councils to host events that will attract tens of thousands of people from far and wide that want to experience our state’s diverse cultures,” Mr Perrottet said.

“By partnering with councils, we will be able to support them cater for bigger crowds, which will benefit their local economies and especially small businesses.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure says; “Councils in our major cities all have a major event that is synonymous with their local community, whether it be Lunar New Year, the Mid Autumn Festival, Ramadan, Diwali or even Christmas”.

“Every year, people wait in anticipation for those events to enjoy the vibrancy, the colour and the culture they are known for. That is the beauty of our multiculturalism— you don’t need to travel overseas to experience other cultures. You can do it right here in NSW,” he said. 

All councils across the state’s Six Cities are eligible to apply to support existing major cultural events or to establish a new one.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils understand local needs, and were best placed to drive social and cultural events.

“Local Councils are the level of government closest to the community, so the NSW Government working directly with councils in our six cities will ensure these celebrations benefit their communities directly,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“By partnering with councils, we are boosting local cultural celebrations led by local leaders, helping to cater for bigger crowds so tourists can experience everything their city has to offer.”

More details are accessible here.