Pako Festa gets three-year deal

PAKO Festa will enliven the Geelong streetscape for the next three years thanks to the City of Greater Geelong’s decision to renew its partnership with Diversitat.

The commitment will see council continue its 18-year support of the popular Geelong event – an annual celebration that aims to shine a light on the city’s increasingly dynamic population.

In previous years, the COGG has supported the festival through its Geelong Major Events (GME) funding, however the new agreement will involve a $100,000 annual contribution from the Community Events Fund.

Council agreed to the $100,000 funding amount after an amendment was moved by Cr Kylie Grzybek during council’s meeting on Tuesday July 30.

Cr Grzybek, who chairs the multicultural action plan advisory committee, said the iconic festival delivers a $5.5 million economic benefit to greater Geelong.

“I’m pleased council has agreed to allocate Pako Festa $100,000 a year over three years, as the event is a fabulous showcase and celebration of our cultural diversity,” Cr Grzybek said.

“Council has a strategic objective to put the community first and we are putting our funding where the community will benefit the most, by encouraging participation and increasing understanding of the multicultural community’s contributions made to the region.”

The city also voted to provide in-kind support to the event, including free use of the Geelong West Town Hall.

The single-day free event attracts 120,000 people per year, according to Diversitat. The not-for-profit association has organised and managed the event for almost 20 years.