Western Metropolitan Region
Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (12:47): (280) My question is for the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Could the minister please provide some information and context as to why government assistance has ceased supporting the East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival in Footscray while at the same time promising $100,000 per year to Richmond’s Victoria Street Lunar Festival for the next four years leading to the election? Again I feel like the west has been left behind and short-changed. Our state government and the Victorian Multicultural Commission have recognised the importance of celebrating multicultural affairs, and festivals play an important role in the west. The East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival in Footscray is run by volunteer groups, and it attracts tens of thousands of people. Before COVID the festival had grants; however, in 2021, 2022 and 2023 the funding ceased. My constituent has raised the issue to me as impacting the entire community, and it is one of the most recognised communities in Footscray.