Dong Nguyen and Binh Phan, back, with Cat-Uyen, Nha-Uyen and Duy Phan at the Vietnamese TET Festival.
THE Vietnamese TET Festival will receive $60,000 over three years to help run its three-day lunar new year celebration, a state MP said this week.
Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs James Merlino said the festival, held each year at the Sandown Racecourse in Springvale, would receive a grant of $20,000 annually for three years as part of the Brumby Government’s Community Grants Program (Festivals and Events).
“The Brumby Government supports a wide range of community groups throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria and this funding reflects our commitment to cater for the evolving needs of our diverse and growing population,” Mr Merlino said.
“The TET Festival is a chance for friends and family to celebrate the new lunar year, along with Vietnamese traditions and customs.
“The Government is a proud supporter of events such as this and recognises the importance of these celebrations not only for the Vietnamese community, but for all Victorians.”
Mr Merlino said the aim of the Festivals and Events program was to support major festivals or special multicultural events, encouraging the Victorian community to celebrate cultural diversity.
“Victorians take great pride in their diversity and through these grants we encourage our multicultural communities to maintain their unique identities,” he said.
“Through the appreciation of our diverse culture, history and traditions, we help to create a more cohesive and harmonious society.
“Multicultural festivals provide us with the opportunity to come together to celebrate this diversity and heritage.”
The Victorian Government has increased funding for the Victorian Multicultural Commission Community Grants Program from $750,000 to $4 million per year since 1999.
