Released 24/09/2025
For people wanting to make new connections, develop their skills and give back to the community – all while enjoying one of Canberra’s favourite events – it’s time to get your application in to volunteer at the 2026 National Multicultural Festival!
For Mani Thakur, volunteering is in her nature. In addition to being a retail manager, she is also a radio jockey at Canberra’s multicultural community broadcaster CMS Radio. Ms. Thakur volunteered at the National Multicultural Festival for the first time in 2025 and said it was an opportunity to learn about new cultures and expand her social circle.
“I like to volunteer, and I think it’s the best way to enjoy the festival,” Ms. Thakur said.
“The festival is a lot of fun, and it’s a chance to socialise with new people from different backgrounds.”
Ms. Thakur loved her first time volunteering at the festival so much that she’s planning on doing it again in 2026, urging other Canberrans to consider volunteering.
“Volunteering at the festival is a satisfying experience and people who are interested in getting involved should come forward to apply.”
Cameron Dawson – a public servant and long-time Multiculti volunteer – said that one of his favourite experiences was volunteering at the festival’s information tent, describing it as a chance to meet people from all walks of life.
“Multiculti is such an iconic Canberra festival, bringing together amazing food and performances from all over the world. As someone who enjoyed going to the festival for several years, I decided it would be great to contribute to it by volunteering,” Mr. Dawson said.
“I love being out and about at the festival, interacting with the public and helping people find their way around and answering questions they might have.”
Mr. Dawson, who has volunteered at the National Multicultural Festival since 2023, encouraged anyone thinking about volunteering to apply.
“It’s a really fun and rewarding experience to contribute to such a great event that highlights the best of our diverse capital. There are plenty of different roles to pick from, so there’s something to suit everyone’s strengths.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Petterson MLA, thanked volunteers for their hard work and passionate commitment to bringing the festival to life.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the National Multicultural Festival, working hard to ensure that visitors have the best possible experience over the festival weekend,” Minister Pettersson said.
“Multiculti is a large, logistically complex event, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who give their time each year. I’m grateful to all volunteers – past, present and future – for their incredible contributions to the festival.”
There are several positions that volunteers can apply for, matching their interests and skills. Some of the positions open include patron support, information tent assistant, volunteer hub assistant, program team assistant, workshop assistant, stage assistant, precinct assistant, information tent coordinator, stage master of ceremonies, and festival set-up and pack-down.
An exciting new position that volunteers can apply for this year is parade assistant. This role will allow people to help with one of the highlights of the festival, the iconic parade, by assisting with logistics and crowd engagement.
People from all backgrounds are welcome, with the only requirement that applicants be over 18 years of age. Training and support will be provided, and volunteers will also be supplied with a free festival t-shirt and hat, as well as meal vouchers.
The National Multicultural Festival will be held from 6-8 February 2026. People interested in volunteering can find the application form and additional information about positions available at: https://multiculturalfestival.com.au/get-involved/volunteers/.
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to get their applications in by 15 December 2025.
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Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases