Two community groups have received funding for January events under Council’s Cultural Grants program.
Arts and Community Development Committee Chairperson Cr Kylie Stoneman said grants had been awarded to:
- Ipswich Malayali Association Inc: $1500 towards the cost of holding weekly Malayalam language classes and classical dance workshops for up to 40 children, beginning in January. Most members of the Ipswich Malayali Association originate from the Kerala State in Southern India, and as many of the Association’s traditional functions are in their own language, the members consider it important that the young people are able to speak and understand the language. Some members of the Association have participated in the Ipswich Festival in the past two years.
- Westside Community Care (Qld) Ltd: $1691.61 towards the cost of hosting its 2018 Australia Day event at Robelle Domain, Springfield Central, on 26 January. The event is open to the wider community and includes interactive Aboriginal art, including didgeridoo lessons, Aboriginal and Philippines dance troupes, multicultural food stalls, children’s games, children’s rides, fireworks and a movie in the park.
Cr Stoneman said these events underscore Ipswich as a diverse, multi-cultural and welcoming community.
“Council supports the effort to broaden knowledge of different groups within our community, to encourage understanding and to involve families in these activities,” she said.
Council allocated $20,000 for its Cultural Grants Program in 2017-18. For more information on how to apply, visit www.ipswich.qld.gov.au
