People in the Cootamundra electorate can celebrate their community and reconnect with neighbours and friends at local markets, carnivals, festivals and fairs, thanks to the NSW Government’s new $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said with regional residents getting out and about again after the challenges of drought, fire, COVID and floods, the funding will help local communities reconnect once more.
“This program will support eligible regional Local Government Areas to host activities and support the events, hospitality and tourism sectors as increasing numbers of visitors return to regional NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
“The past two years have been difficult for our small communities with people disconnected from family and friends, which is why the NSW Government is backing local events that bring local communities together again.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding will help regional councils stage events that bring communities together, while also supporting local job creation and injecting cash into local economies.
“The NSW Government is backing events that will help to reinvigorate communities and contribute to a sense of improved wellbeing and connectedness in 2022 and beyond,” said Mr Toole.
“People are getting out again and we want to see communities thriving and businesses benefitting from more local activities, events and opportunities in the regions.”
The $25 million Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package, designed to support economic and social recovery across regional NSW by creating new jobs and supporting community events, shows and festivals to boost tourism.
Applications open Thursday 7 April 2022 for events held over the next 12 months.
For eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to: http://www.nsw.gov.au/communityevents
