BALLARAT'S growing LGBTIQ event, Frolic Festival, has been given a financial boost with the state government committing a further $6000 to the 2020 edition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The funding has been allocated as part of a $150,000 scheme to celebrate diversity and inclusion across the state.
Importantly, 60 per cent of all funding given out has been allocated to regional and rural areas.
Last year, government funding helped Frolic Festival co-ordinate a week-long festival for the first time, highlighted by a what proved a popular carnival day at Alfred Deakin Place.
Festival co-ordinator Jay Morrison said the committee was already well into preparations for the 2020 edition, having just spent a few days learning some new tricks from the director of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
He said the festival was delighted to once again receive government support.
"We're absolutely thrilled the government has seen fit to supports these events," Mr Morrison said.
"There is a real focus on these events in rural communities, there's so many new groups in rural and regional Victoria.
"We've already started about ideas for the festival this year, it's all top secret at the moment, but there will be some announcements soon."
The Pride Events and Festivals Fund was established with a $2 million investment through the 2018-19 Victorian Budget.
Minister for equality Martin Foley said the funding aims to strengthen LGBTIQ community pride, recognise and support marginalised or isolated people, celebrate and build resilience in the face on ongoing discrimination and build visibility of LGBTIQ communities.
"By supporting these pride events and festivals, we're sending a loud message that in Victoria - who you are is not only good enough, it is worth celebrating." Mr Foley said.
"We know from listening to LGBTIQ people in rural and regional Victoria that these events are a sign of hope for those experiencing discrimination and isolation, and we're proud to support them."
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
