Every year, the National Multicultural Festival brings Canberrans and visitors together for a weekend of culture, colour, music, food and community.
Every year, some Canberrans go beyond enjoying the festival and join the team who makes it happen as volunteers.
In 2027, this could be you, with volunteer applications now open for next year’s National Multicultural Festival.
Former volunteer Danial Yazdani said the National Multicultural Festival provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate his family’s journey and contribute to a stronger, more connected community.
“Both sides of my family were Baháʼí asylum seekers who fled Iran and eventually made Australia their home. I am a staunch advocate of multiculturalism, and this festival was my way of celebrating my extended family’s legacy and safeguarding social cohesion and cultural connection.”
“You’d be hard-pressed to find a better volunteering opportunity anywhere. It’s just a fantastic couple of days out. The community vibe, the electric atmosphere, the sheer number of activities, the amazing food, the music and the glamour of all the traditional dress – it’s probably the most buzzing I have seen Canberra, ever!”
Danial’s friend Lav G joined him in volunteering at the festival.
“My family is originally from Sri Lanka, and I came to Australia at a young age. I grew up in Brisbane on Turrbal and Yugera Country, while trying to maintain a connection to my Tamil heritage and understand what it means to call Australia home. Those experiences have made multiculturalism and the celebration of cultural diversity especially meaningful to me, and have also shaped my passion for working in immigration and Indigenous affairs.”
“Volunteering with people you already know makes the experience even more enjoyable. You get to spend time together while doing something positive for the community, meet new people, and be part of an event that brings so many different communities together. I also think doing it as a group can make volunteering feel a lot less daunting for people who haven’t volunteered before.”
For Rajvir Kaur, a volunteer since 2018, the festival is a celebration of inclusion in more ways than one. Raj uses a mobility scooter and has been an Area Warden, Information Tent Officer, and Precinct Officer.
“Volunteering gives me a strong sense of connection with the community. I get the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, answer questions, and help them navigate the event, which is incredibly rewarding. The smiles, heartfelt gratitude, and blessings I receive from elders and visitors is a reminder of the deep impact that small acts of service can have.
“It was also a chance to inspire my family, especially my 13-year-old daughter by showing that there are fun and meaningful ways to engage with and support our community. My husband volunteered for the first time last year, and now our daughter is already counting down the days until she is old enough to join in too. That’s a little win I am really proud of.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Michael Pettersson said volunteers are central to delivering the festival and helping showcase the cultures, languages and traditions that make Canberra such an inclusive and welcoming city.
“The National Multicultural Festival is the best weekend of the year,” Minister Pettersson said.
“But it’s also an important opportunity to show that we are an inclusive, diverse, and proudly multicultural community.”
“Volunteers demonstrate this better than anyone. They bring this iconic event to life.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Canberrans who put their names down contribute their time and enthusiasm to the festival.”
People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Volunteers must be aged 18 years or over, although 16- and 17-year-olds may participate if accompanied by a guardian volunteering on the same shift.
Training and support will be provided, with volunteers receiving a festival t-shirt, hat and food voucher.
The 2027 National Multicultural Festival will be held from 5 to 7 February 2027.
People interested in volunteering can find more information and apply at: https://multiculturalfestival.com.au/get-involved/volunteers/.
Applications close on 1 December 2026.
