This year, I’ve been fortunate to attend many cultural events across Far North Queensland that highlight the strength of our multicultural community. The recent Cairns Indian Festival was a huge success, and today’s Ganeshotsav celebrations are another example of how multiculturalism thrives here in Cairns.
The Crisafulli Government deeply values the contribution of cultural organisations like Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc. That’s why we’ve announced programs such as the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Program, which in 2025 provided $950,000 in funding to support 119 multicultural events and festivals.
In April this year, $1.9 million was also allocated to 26 multicultural community-led projects under the Strengthening Multicultural Queensland program. The next funding rounds for both programs will open later this year, and I strongly encourage Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc. and other groups to apply. I’m always happy to provide a letter of support.
Events like Ganeshotsav remind us of what makes our region so special — the music, the food, the joy, and most importantly, the sense of togetherness that unites us all.
I wish everyone a joyful Ganeshotsav and Diwali.
