Temora Showcases Aviation History As Warbirds Downunder Receives Regional Event Funding

Steph Cooke stands in front of a bi plane with four men.

The Temora Aviation Museum opened its doors over the weekend for a two day showcase, giving aviation buffs the chance to see some of Australia’s military aviation on display.

The showcase was the Museum’s COVID-safe event, in lieu of the Warbirds Downunder Airshow, which has been postponed.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced the NSW Government would be supporting the flagship event through the $1 million 2020 Regional Event Fund.

The iconic air show has been awarded $27,500 per year plus $2,500 in value-in-kind event research for their next three air shows in 2020 (postponed), 2022 and 2024.

Ms Cooke said the investment recognised the difficulties COVID-19 restrictions have placed on many of the region’s major events and tourist attractions.

“The Temora Aviation Museum is truly one of the Cootamundra electorate’s flagship tourist attractions, and has become a vital player in preserving Australia’s military and aviation history,” Ms Cooke said.

“This event will be back bigger and better in 2021, bringing thousands of visitors to Temora and I am so delighted they have been recognised with this funding.”

Temora Aviation Museum General Manager Peter Harper said he was pleased with the grant.

“For us events and regional events are challenging at the best of times, but in the current climate with COVID every bit of funding and assistance we can get just helps make the event profitable,” Mr Harper said.

“With events and air shows there are very small margins, we get great support from the Temora Shire Council and it’s fantastic to see the State Government stepping up with this very welcome injection in to our event.”

The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, will provide funding to 59 event organisers across the state to deliver events that will attract visitors and drive economic activity for local businesses.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it was clear that regional NSW is eager to welcome visitors back to drive spending in communities that rely on the visitor economy to support local businesses.

“The calibre and diversity of events supported through the Regional Event Fund will give visitors plenty of extra motivation to get out and explore regional NSW,” Minister Ayres said.

“Regional NSW is eagerly welcoming visitors back to drive spending in communities that rely on the visitor economy to support local businesses.”

The Regional Event Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $10 million Tourism Recovery package and comprises two streams: the Flagship Event Fund and a new Micro Event Fund.

The Regional Event Fund will support:

  • 18 events through $20,000 annual Flagship Event Fund grants
  • 12 events through $30,000 cash and in-kind triennial Flagship Event Fund grants
  • 29 events through $10,000 Micro Event Fund grants

Events scheduled between 1 May and 31 December 2020 at the time of application were eligible for funding.

In line with current Australian Government restrictions regarding mass gatherings, Destination NSW will liaise with event owners to discuss their plans.

Events must be delivered to receive funding.

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