Multicultural groups in the Caboolture region can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to host events and cultural activities during 2016.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, said the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program had just opened up applications and $1 million in funding was available to be shared by groups across Queensland.

“I’d love for our local community to secure some of this funding,” Mr Ryan said.

“We have many different groups from many different cultures and backgrounds in our community and they all contribute to making this area such a great place to live.

“I’m urging groups to apply for funding to celebrate multicultural events or projects, whether it be supporting an existing festival or event, or something entirely new.”

The grants are available in the following three categories, which must be held within the 2016 calendar year:

• Signature events with a maximum grant of $20,000 per event,

• Cultural events with a maximum grant of $10,000 per event, and

• Multicultural projects with a maximum grant of $25,000 per project

Promoting community harmony and increasing awareness of Queensland’s cultural diversity is an ongoing priority for the Queensland Government.

Last year, about 1.1 million Queenslanders participated in more than 100 funded events and projects across the state and the number this year is expected to be significantly more.

For more information about the grants program apply, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/multicultural

Applications are open until 14 September 2015.