Port Phillip Council Secures Funding Boost for St Kilda Festival’s First Peoples and Live Music Programming
First Peoples First - St Kilda Festival
The Victorian State Government has awarded $60,000 to support First Peoples programming at the festival, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to celebrating and amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. This funding will help deliver a rich and inclusive program that honours the traditions, stories, and contemporary expressions of First Peoples culture.
In addition, the Federal Government has contributed $100,000 to support accessibility improvements at the festival. This funding is part of a broader national initiative to revitalise Australia’s live performance sector and will ensure that the St Kilda Festival continues to be a premier platform for emerging and established artists in a way that is inclusive to as many as possible.
These grants are a testament to the cultural significance of the St Kilda Festival and the strength of our partnerships with both levels of government. Council welcomes the opportunity to expand the Festival’s programming and provide even more opportunities for community connection, celebration, and artistic expression.
The St Kilda Festival, one of Australia's largest and longest-running free music festivals, continues to evolve while staying true to its roots in community celebration and cultural diversity. The 2025 edition was one of the most vibrant yet, with expanded programming made possible by this vital support.