Thousands of Northern Victorians will be able to celebrate and share their diverse cultures and traditions thanks to funding from the Andrews Government, Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced today. The Multicultural Festivals and Events program will this year fund 38 grants in Northern Victoria to support events that showcase Victorias multiculturalism and bring the community together. They include: Nagambie On Water Festival from March 2-4, 2018 at Jacobsons Outlook in Nagambie. The event is a celebration of the local region, its people, services and produce. Mitchell Multicultural Food Truck Festival at Hadfield Park in Wallan, from 5-9pm, on March 9, 2018, will include cultural performances, music, dance, craft and food stalls. Ecotopia Earth Festival celebrating diversity from February 5 to March 25, 2018 at Wesburn Primary School and Yarra Junction Parklands. The event is a sustainability festival that will also showcase CALD artists and their cultures. Multicultural Week at Wodonga Middle Years College March 19- 23, 2018 will include food stalls, dance and music events and involve teachers, students, parents, and local community groups. Events and festivals are more than just fun activities and shows, they give us the opportunity to come together and celebrate as one community, Ms Symes said. Im delighted at the number of local organisations who have been approved funding as it gives them a chance to showcase what is great about our diverse communities in country Victoria. These grants will ensure that multiculturalism in Victoria continues to thrive, and I encourage everyone to get involved at a festival near them. Grants are approved for events that foster cross cultural awareness, understanding and respect, and ensure that Victorias multicultural communities can celebrate, preserve and share traditions in meaningful ways. The grants are also provided to build the capacity of smaller or newer community groups to engage with both locals and fellow organisations. Please find attached spreadsheet with organisations that have received funding