ACT Independent Senator David Pocock has launched a community-driven campaign calling for a purpose-built Multicultural Centre in Canberra, arguing the city is being left behind while other regions secure federal investment.

Senator Pocock said Canberra’s multicultural community — more than a quarter of residents are born overseas, and there are more than 200 active community organisations — lacks an appropriate venue for large cultural events, performances, and celebrations.

In 2020, the ACT Labor-Greens Government pledged to “construct a large new multicultural events venue at EPIC for cultural performances and available for hire for large private functions, such as weddings” — but abandoned the plan in favour of refurbishing the Fitzroy Pavillion. Community groups have since argued the refit does not meet their needs, particularly because it lacks a commercial kitchen.

Ahead of this year’s federal election, the Albanese Government announced funding for multicultural facilities in Queanbeyan, Goulburn, the Illawarra and South Dandenong — but none for Canberra.

Senator Pocock said it was time for the ACT to receive its fair share of Commonwealth social infrastructure funding.

“Like many Canberrans, I hate seeing the ACT continually missing out on the kind of projects that other electorates receive federal funding for,” Senator Pocock said.

“We have competing funding priorities in the ACT with housing, health … and education chief among them. However, key social infrastructure can’t be overlooked especially when there is precedent for federal funding to support the delivery of new projects.”

To build momentum, Senator Pocock has released a new website, petition and community survey seeking feedback on what a modern multicultural centre should include. The campaign will be formally launched tonight at his final sold-out community town hall in Belconnen.

He said governments needed to “genuinely listen to the community” and deliver on election commitments rather than “some lesser version”.

“So much of celebrating culture revolves around food, and the absence of a commercial kitchen in the Fitzroy Pavilion refit renders it inadequate for its intended purpose,” he said.

Senator Pocock raised concerns with the ACT Government about the refit in 2023 and said he would continue advocating for Commonwealth funding for a new centre in the upcoming federal budget.

An ACT Government spokesperson said Canberra’s cultural diversity is central to community life, and that the Government was continuing to invest in facilities to support multicultural groups.

“We acknowledge the immense contributions different cultures bring to the life of our city,” the spokesperson said. “That’s why the Government is continuing to invest in new and expanded facilities to promote different aspects of life and culture for all Canberrans.”

The Government cited existing assets including the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, the recently upgraded Fitzroy Pavilion, ACT public school spaces, and new community centres underway in Gungahlin and planned for Woden.

The spokesperson said the Fitzroy Pavilion had been upgraded to improve accessibility and functionality, with capacity for up to 1,700 people depending on the event. Consultation for the refurbishment included briefings with peak multicultural organisations and drop-in sessions for hirers.

Since completion of works, community groups have hired the Pavilion on 17 occasions for cultural celebrations, performances and private functions.

Independent MLA Fiona Carrick said she welcomed “Senator Pocock’s push to ensure Canberra’s multicultural communities have the spaces they need to come together. What matters most is delivering well-designed, accessible facilities shaped by community input that strengthen connection and belonging across the ACT.”