UPDATE: Wollongong’s Culture Mix Festival has just concluded, showcasing the vibrant diversity of the Illawarra community on October 21, 2023. This year’s festival featured stunning performances, including traditional dances from Indonesia and a heartfelt Vietnamese wedding display, capturing the essence of the city’s multicultural identity.
The festival attracted a large crowd in the Wollongong CBD, where attendees enjoyed a variety of musical acts and food stalls representing cultures from around the globe. Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown expressed her delight, stating, “We had a big crowd, lots of happy smiling faces. People were enjoying the dancing and the food.”
This annual event nearly faced cancellation last year due to funding issues after the NSW government’s Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Major Festivals Grants Program ended. However, local councillors rallied support, leading to a successful plea to Multicultural Minister Steve Kamper for financial assistance. In response, the Minister awarded a $250,000 grant to sustain this year’s festival, although the city is looking for long-term funding solutions.
Cr Brown emphasized the importance of the festival, stating, “Given we have 62 different cultural groups throughout our city, the opportunity to come together and celebrate each other’s culture is so important.” She urged the community to “feed your soul” through such enriching experiences amidst global challenges.
The festival’s success over the past three years has bolstered confidence that additional funding will be secured to ensure its continuation. “We can definitely demonstrate how we’ve spent the funds, how successful it’s been,” Cr Brown noted, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering community unity.
As Wollongong looks ahead, the city plans to apply for both state and federal funding to keep the Culture Mix Festival alive in the coming years. This event not only reflects the city’s commitment to diversity but also serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange and understanding.
Stay tuned for further updates on the festival and its future as Wollongong continues to celebrate its rich multicultural tapestry.
