Grant supports youth cultural festival

• Event to promote understanding of indigenous and surfing cultures
• ICEA Classic is run entirely by volunteers

Volunteer youth organisation ICEA (Indigenous Communities Education and Awareness Foundation) today received a Lotterywest grant to support a festival promoting greater understanding of indigenous and surfing cultures.

Speaking at the launch of ICEA's three-year strategy, Youth Minister Tony Simpson announced the $13,000 grant for the ICEA Classic to be held on Sunday, September 13 at Cottesloe Beach.

The free reconciliation event is run entirely by youth volunteers aged 18-22 years and includes indigenous cultural activities, surf and skate competitions and live music and dance performances.

Mr Simpson acknowledged the work of ICEA in promoting mutual respect for all Australians.

"The ICEA Classic is an initiative of a group of young volunteers who have actively committed to making a difference in their community.

"It demonstrates the important role young people have in shaping a positive future for all West Australians."

The classic is now in its fifth year with the organisation expecting record crowds of more than 7,000.  About 100 volunteers will work at the event.

The Minister said the ICEA Classic was just one of many community events supported by Lotterywest.

"Last financial year, Lotterywest supported about 216 events with grants totalling more than $11 million.  These included festivals, fairs, awareness days and cultural events held throughout WA from regional and remote locations to metropolitan areas," he said.

Fact File

• ICEA promotes indigenous and cultural awareness through programs in remote communities and the metropolitan area
• For more information, visit http://www.iceafoundation.com.au/
• Last financial year, sales of Lotterywest games raised $283 million to support the WA community

Minister's office - 6552 6600