Program puts cultural diversity and community centre stage

• WA Government provides $900,000 to support community festivals as part of the Global Connections Through Local Events program
• Three major cultural festivals supported
• Events include Western Australian Africa Week, Australian Arab Festival and Diwali Mela

An exciting line-up of business and community festivals highlighting the cultural diversity of the Western Australian community will again illuminate the cultural calendar over the coming months.

Three distinct major cultural events will share in a total of $900,000 through the Office of Multicultural Interests' Global Connections Through Local Events program.

Each of the free family-friendly events will feature an international artist and a business

component, which offers the opportunity for networking and showcasing businesses from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Hosted by the Indian Society of Western Australia, Diwali Mela has received $500,000 through the program, with the popular two-day festival of lights to be held from Saturday, 4 October to Sunday, 5 October 2025 at Langley Park.

It will be followed by the Australian Arab Festival hosted by Australian Arab Association, which has been supported with funding of $200,000. The event celebrates the cultures and contributions of the many Western Australian Arab communities and will be held on Saturday, 8 November 2025 at Burswood Park. 

Western Australian Africa Week, presented by the Organisation of African Communities in WA, has received $200,000 for the event, with the timing of the vibrant occasion to be announced at a later date.

More information will be available on the Office of Multicultural Interests' website.

Comments attributed to Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:

"I am proud the Global Connections Through Local Events program will boost these flagship cultural events and help them to shine even brighter for everyone to enjoy.

"These festivals support economic and tourism outcomes for the State, providing a platform for WA businesses and attracting international and interstate visitors through the star power of international artists.

"There is no better way to learn more about the traditions and contributions of our culturally diverse communities, than to experience it for yourself."