Saturday, 28 February 2026
HIGH STREET NORTHCOTE TO SHINE WITH NEW ARTWORKS
Labor is backing small businesses – making streetscapes even more welcoming to boost visitors, jobs and local economies.
More than 35 multicultural business precincts across Victoria will benefit from a $6 million investment to improve public spaces, including High Street in Northcote, thanks to the Victorian Government.
Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, today announced a $55,000 grant from the state government to work with the traders of Northcote Rise and local artists to create up to 20 artworks along the street. A further $11,000 grant co-contribution is being provided by Darebin City Council.
“This year we will begin to see vibrant artworks come to life along High Street Northcote which tell the stories of our beautiful multicultural history and community,” Ms Theophanous said.
‘Northcote Portraits’ will be a series of artworks and stories which celebrate the rich diversity of the neighbourhood and the characters who have coloured our lives over decades. It will transform graffiti hotspots into places of pride and belonging, with bold visual moments for everyone to enjoy.
“We know our traders have had to endure the impact of graffiti and our aim is also to support them with preventative initiatives. These artworks will be a strong deterrent and help to revitalise the walls along the street to make the area more welcoming,” Ms Theophanous added.
Ms Theophanous was joined by the Northcote Rise Business Association at Little Local café, alongside Deputy Mayor of Darebin Matt Arturi and local artist Grace West, to celebrate the announcement.
The Victorian Government’s Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program aims to update local shopfronts, improve public infrastructure and enhance community spaces in multicultural business hubs. The grants assist councils, business groups and traders to work together to deliver the improvements and promote cultural diversity.
Multicultural business precincts are the cornerstone of local economies and communities, providing unique places where people gather, shop, work and build cultural connections and friendships.
Victoria is proudly home to more than 735,000 small businesses. Around 56 per cent of all small businesses are owned by people with at least one parent born overseas.
To learn more about the Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program, visit: business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/multicultural-business-precinct-revitalisation-program.
