Event-goers across the electorate can soon experience more fun and enjoyment thanks to the opening of the NSW Liberal and National Government’s Regional Event Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Regional Event Fund would support the region’s talented events industry as well as provide a boost for local tourism.
“We have seen some amazing events come to life across our region, just like the National Cherry Festival in Young which received funding to host their 2019 festival under the Flagship Event stream,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether an event is yet to get off the ground, or looking to further grow capacity, this program is about helping our event owners which will boost our local economy and create local jobs.”
“I encourage all eligible applicants to please apply for this wonderful opportunity to showcase what our amazing region has to offer.”
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government are once again providing this fantastic funding opportunity because we know how important events and festivals are to our local economy.”
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said events and festivals were vitally important to the visitor economy, with regional communities and event organisers now able to tap into a funding pool worth $1.5 million.
“We are committed to supporting our talented events industry. They are the beating heart of our visitor economy, injecting huge dollars into our regional communities,” Mr Franklin said.
“That’s why I am delighted to announce that our 2023 – 2024 Regional Event Fund will open for applications, offering grants from $20,000 to $50,000 to help support a wide range of regional events and festivals.
“This is all part of our long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward. I encourage all event organisers to apply and take advantage of this exciting initiative.”
The Regional Event Fund is managed through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and offers three streams of funding:
- Incubator Event Fund – offers grants of up to $20,000 to events that are in their first or second year of operation
- Flagship Event Fund – offers grants of $20,000 and triennial grants of $30,000 for marketing activities aimed at attracting visitors from outside their immediate region
- Event Development Fund – offers grants of up to $50,000 to support strategic growth initiatives to events that have completed their third year of triennial Flagship Event funding.
Funding applications open from Thursday 2 March 2023 and close on Wednesday 29 March 2023.
For further information and to apply for funding, go to https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/tourism/business-development-resources/funding-and-grants.
