The Andrews Labor Government has today opened a new grants program to provide support to community organisations and groups to run multicultural celebrations, festivals and events across Victoria.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams has encouraged community groups in Dandenong to apply for funding under the new Multicultural Festivals and Events (MFE) program for 2015-16.

The Labor Government has allocated $2.7 million towards the Festivals and Events grants program, with grants ranging from $500 to $100,000.

The MFE ensures Victoria’s multicultural communities can celebrate and preserve traditions in meaningful ways while showcasing the vibrancy of Victoria’s multiculturalism to the wider community.

Gabrielle Williams said larger events funded through MFE will aim to assist newer communities to deliver events by forming partnerships, and by fostering intercultural relationships and understanding.

The program aims to ensure that the wider Victorian community has the opportunity to participate and contribute to a broad range of events that build community harmony and celebrate unity.

The MFE combines the previous Multicultural Festivals and Events grants and Unity Through Partnership grant programs and is accessible for events being held in Dandenong between 1 January and 30 June 2016.

Applications close 24 January 2016. To apply for a grant and view program eligibility and guidelines visit: http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/grants/apply-for-a-grant