NSW regional events to receive $1.5 million boost
The funding aims to enrich the state's diverse calendar of events
Regional events in New South Wales are set to benefit from a significant funding boost, with the NSW Government announcing a $1.5 million injection through the Regional Event Fund for the 2025/26 financial year.
The funding aims to enrich the state’s diverse calendar of events, drive increased overnight visitation, and stimulate local economies.
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From March 10, event organisers can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support events that showcase regional culture and create compelling visitor experiences.
The Regional Event Fund is part of the NSW Government’s broader plan to grow the state’s visitor economy by empowering communities to host standout events that generate local business expenditure.
According to Tourism Research Australia, regional NSW contributed a record $26 billion—almost half of the overall NSW visitor economy—for the year ending September 2024. Supporting regional events is a key strategy to maintain and build on this growth.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, highlighted the importance of events in strengthening local communities and tourism.
“Regional events bring locals together, attract visitors, and boost local economies. That’s why the NSW Government backs local operators to put on the events locals love and tourists want to visit,” Minister Graham said.
“The Regional Event Fund has supported more than 530 events with over $14 million in funding, helping turn events like the Deni Ute Muster and the Parkes Elvis Festival into bucket-list experiences. We want to see more local events reach this level, which is why we’re opening the fund for more operators to build the next big regional drawcard.”
Funding streams to support regional events
Managed by Destination NSW, the Regional Event Fund offers support through three distinct streams:
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Incubator Event Stream: Up to $20,000 in seed funding for new events in their first or second year to help establish them as key tourism drivers.
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Flagship Event Stream: Grants of $20,000 for emerging events running for over two years to increase their profile and attract more visitors. Events that have received three annual grants can apply for $30,000 in funding over three years.
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Event Development Stream: Established events that have previously completed triennial funding under the Flagship Event Stream can access grants of up to $50,000.
Destination NSW Acting CEO, Karen Jones, emphasised the program’s role in strengthening the state’s visitor economy.
“Regional events are vital to the NSW visitor economy, bringing communities together and showcasing the unique character of our regions to visitors from across Australia and beyond,” Ms Jones said. “Through the Regional Event Fund, Destination NSW is helping event organisers develop and grow events that enrich our state’s year-round events calendar and reinforce regional NSW as a must-visit destination.”
Applications for the Regional Event Fund open today and will close at midnight on Sunday, 6 April 2025. Eligible events must take place between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit HERE
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