Premier

Labor Backs A Bigger And Better September Latin Festival

22 September 2018

The September Latin Festival will be bigger and better than ever before, with a re-elected Andrews Labor Government to deliver $160,000 in funding for the event.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams today attended the first of the two-day festival to announce the funding boost.

The extra support from a re-elected Labor Government will both help secure the future of the Festival, as well as allowing organisers to grow the event even further.

The annual September Latin Festival is one of our state’s biggest celebrations of Latin American culture, showcasing dance, music, language, art and food.

Supported by hundreds of hardworking volunteers, the Festival is also timed to celebrate Chilean Independence Day and El Salvador’s National Day.

The announcement builds on the Andrews Labor Government’s work to strengthen ties between Victoria and Latin America, including support for LATAM Airlines to start flying directly between Santiago and Melbourne, and establishing the Lopez-Lochert Scholarship, which gives Victorian TAFE students the opportunity to study in Chile.

Our state is home to many strong and proud Latin communities, with the 2016 Census showing that 35,500 Victorians spoke Spanish at home, while 7,300 Victorians spoke Portuguese.

Only Labor recognises that we are stronger for our state’s diversity – and only Labor will make the investments that matter to our multicultural communities.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Every year, the September Latin Festival proudly celebrates the many contributions of our state’s Latin communities.”

“With this funding boost, a re-elected Labor Government will help make the Festival bigger and better than ever.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“Labor believes we are stronger for our state’s diversity – and is willing to make the investments to back it up.”

Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams

“This investment sends a clear message: we value Latin Victorians, and everything you’ve done to make our state stronger and fairer.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?