Multicultural communities are taking their events and celebrations online in the face of Covid-19.
The State Government has provided funding for multifaith and multicultural communities around Casey to help them make the transition, through the Multicultural Festivals and Events program.
More than $800,000 will flow to those organisations, helping them to also build and develop their long-term digital capacity.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing announced two of the successful recipients: the Casey Friendship Association and the Casey Tamil Manram Inc.
The Casey Friendship Association Inc will organise a Chinese New Year Celebration, to be held on 31 January 2021. The digital event is expected to attract around 250 people.
Casey Tamil Manram Inc. will organise the The Tamil Festival – Victoria 2021, to be held on 10 January 2021. The digital event is expected to attract around 6,500 people.
Other events across the state include the Vietnamese Community in Australia – Victoria Chapter’s Tet Lunar New Year Festival, the Wyndham Diwali and both the SalamFest Digital Edition and the African Music and Cultural Virtual Festival, which are expected to each attract 10,000 people.
Ms Shing said the funding was great news for residents.
“The pandemic won’t stop our communities from celebrating the traditions and celebrations that bring us together, especially during the pandemic,” she said.