Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging event organisers planning events in the first half of next year to apply for the NSW Government’s Flagship Event Fund, which is now open.
Ms Cooke said the 2019 Fund will be offered in two rounds per year and with just a single application process.
“The NSW Government is continuing to reduce the red tape and for the first time, event organisers no longer have to submit an expression of interest when applying for the Flagship Event Fund,” Ms Cooke said.
“The change means a more streamlined application process, making it quicker for events in the Cootamundra electorate to access vital funds and boost tourism in our local communities.
“The Warbirds Downunder Airshow has established itself as a world-class showcase of military aviation, and organisers successfully applied for a Flagship Event Fund grant earlier this year.
“Visitors come from across the globe to Temora to see the aircraft on display, which is fantastic for the museum, for the town and for the region.
“That was just one of 35 events and events across regional NSW which benefited from this Fund.
“Events planned for between January and June can apply for an annual grant of $20,000 or a triennial grant of $27,500 to help market and promote their event to visitors outside of their local area.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said that, since 1997, the Regional Flagship Events Program, which includes three different funding streams, has provided more than $10 million to 351 events throughout rural and regional NSW.
“Whether it’s event proponents, tour operators, hoteliers or visitor attractions, we’re working hard right across our regions to make it easier to access vital grants to get initiatives off the ground and to get tourism booming more than ever before,” Mr Marshall said.
“The NSW Government is proud of the progress that has been made in tourism investment across regional NSW and the reforms we have implemented which lay the foundations for future growth in local communities. I encourage those eligible for Round One of the Flagship Event Fund to apply soon for this terrific opportunity.”
The Regional Flagship Events Program is managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Applications for Round One of the 2019 Flagship Event Fund close on Monday October 8 2018. To lodge an application, visit http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/rfep.
Round Two applications for events held between July and December 2019 will open in February next year.
