NSW Boosts Tourism with Three Million Dollars in Grants for Multicultural Festivals, Celebrating Diversity and Driving Economic Growth

Published on November 17, 2025

The Minns Labor Government has announced a new round of funding for the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program, aimed at supporting large-scale multicultural festivals that celebrate New South Wales’ rich cultural diversity and bring communities together. This initiative is a key part of the government’s commitment to promoting multiculturalism and fostering inclusivity across the state, while also driving tourism and contributing to the local economy. With funding between $100,000 to $250,000 available, this program is set to help councils deliver events that enhance social cohesion and provide visitors with authentic experiences of NSW’s diverse cultural landscape.

Encouraging Multicultural Tourism Through Festivals

With a funding pool of $3 million, the Stronger Together grants will support councils across New South Wales to create large-scale festivals that unite communities, celebrate cultural traditions, and attract tourists. These grants are designed to provide the resources needed for councils to host inclusive events that promote cross-cultural understanding and celebrate the traditions and stories that make NSW a multicultural state.

Multicultural festivals are not only an opportunity for local communities to come together but also serve as major attractions for tourists, drawing visitors from both within Australia and abroad. By showcasing diverse cultural practices, traditional performances, food, music, and art, these events provide a unique way for tourists to immerse themselves in the richness of NSW’s multicultural heritage. In doing so, they contribute to the state’s tourism industry by boosting local economies and generating significant visitor spending on accommodation, dining, and tourism-related activities.

Celebrating Diversity Through Community Festivals

The Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program is designed to foster inclusivity by supporting events that represent the cultural heritage of New South Wales’ communities. The funding enables councils to organize festivals that reflect the diverse cultures of their local populations, providing an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to share their traditions with a wider audience.

The program’s success is evident from the impact of previous festivals. These events have not only entertained and educated attendees but also provided economic benefits to the host cities and towns. They have attracted visitors, boosted tourism, and stimulated local businesses, all while enhancing the social fabric of NSW by celebrating the cultural diversity that makes the state so unique.

Successful Festivals: Wagga Wagga and Parramatta Lead the Way

The Wagga Wagga City Council is one of the standout examples of how the Stronger Together grants have been used to create dynamic multicultural festivals that leave a lasting impact on both locals and visitors. In October, the city hosted the FUSION BOTANICAL Multicultural Festival, which brought together music, food, art, and culture. The festival featured performances, art installations, storytelling, and even a Latin silent disco walking tour. It created an energetic atmosphere that engaged the local community and attracted visitors from outside the area, driving tourism and boosting local businesses.

Looking ahead, the City of Parramatta has received funding to expand its popular Lunar New Year Festival in 2026. The Year of the Horse celebrations will feature traditional workshops, cultural activities, and street food, drawing even more visitors to the region. With the expansion of the event to include activities in Epping, Parramatta aims to reach an even wider audience, highlighting the growing popularity of multicultural festivals in NSW. The success of festivals like these demonstrates how the Stronger Together program is helping to foster inclusivity while promoting tourism across the state.

Supporting Local Councils and Economic Growth

Administered by Multicultural NSW, the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program is open for applications until Friday, 19 December 2025. The grants offer financial support to councils that are committed to delivering large-scale multicultural festivals that celebrate the diversity of their communities. By supporting these festivals, the government is helping to create events that not only strengthen social cohesion but also stimulate the local economy by attracting visitors and encouraging tourism.

These events are an excellent way to showcase the state’s unique cultural offerings to tourists. From vibrant street food markets to traditional performances and workshops, multicultural festivals give visitors the chance to explore NSW’s cultural diversity in an engaging and meaningful way. In turn, the economic benefits for local businesses are substantial, with restaurants, hotels, transport services, and retail stores all benefitting from the increased number of visitors attending these festivals.

A Commitment to Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion

The Minns Labor Government’s commitment to supporting multicultural communities through the Stronger Together program reflects its broader vision of building an inclusive and cohesive society. Festivals that celebrate cultural traditions and shared values play a vital role in strengthening the social fabric of NSW, ensuring that all residents feel valued and included.

Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, expressed pride in the government’s continued support for multicultural communities and the role of festivals in promoting a sense of belonging across the state. By helping councils deliver multicultural events, the government is ensuring that people from all backgrounds can share their cultures and traditions with others, fostering greater understanding and respect among diverse communities.

The Economic Impact of Multicultural Festivals

Multicultural festivals have a tangible impact on local economies, particularly in tourism. These events attract both domestic and international visitors, contributing to the tourism industry and local businesses. From cultural performances and food stalls to art exhibitions and educational workshops, these festivals generate significant visitor spending that benefits the hospitality, retail, and service industries.

In addition to their economic benefits, these events enhance the state’s reputation as a tourism destination that celebrates diversity. By supporting large-scale multicultural festivals, the government is not only contributing to the local economy but also strengthening NSW’s position as a leading destination for multicultural tourism.

How to Apply for the Stronger Together Grants

NSW local government councils are encouraged to apply for the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program by visiting the Multicultural NSW website. The application process is straightforward, and councils are urged to submit their proposals by the 19 December 2025 deadline. The funding is available for councils that are committed to delivering major multicultural festivals that celebrate diversity and strengthen communities, contributing to the state’s thriving tourism industry.

For more information on how to apply, councils can visit the official Multicultural NSW website at https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-major-festival-local-council-grants/.