FUNDING from the NSW Government’s $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is now available to help support the social and economic recovery of regional NSW, following COVID-19.

The funding will help organisations attract new major international and domestic events to regional areas, and support existing regional events to become bigger and better.

The cancellation of major regional events, such as Woolgoolga’s annual Curryfest and the Big Bash League (BBL) cricket match at C.ex International Stadium last year due to COVID-19 impacted local event venues, workers and local Coffs Harbour communities who rely on the influx of visitors and tourist dollars.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

The Regional Events Acceleration funding will help meet the costs of attracting or retaining major events, such as premier sporting fixtures or competitions, and help fund the operational and infrastructure improvements existing events need to increase visitation and length of stay.

The types of events eligible for funding include major sporting and lifestyle events, major food and beverage events, and major music, art and culture festivals.

The funding is for events hosted in regional NSW between March 2021 and June 2022.

The Regional Events Acceleration Fund offers two streams, Major Event Operations and Infrastructure grants and Major Event Attraction and Enhancement grants.

Major Event Operations and Infrastructure grants between $50,000 and $200,000 are available to support temporary event infrastructure and operational improvements at existing regional events to help increase visitation.

This includes securing a major artist/performance to increase an event’s appeal, additional temporary seating areas to increase capacity, additional staging for a music festival, and establishing a pop-up camping and caravan site to support more overnight stays.

Major Event Attraction and Enhancement grants are available for a minimum of $100,000 for the attraction, delivery and retention of major international and domestic events to regional areas across regional NSW, with a focus on major sporting events providing national or international exposure.

Applicants are encouraged to consult with Coffs Harbour City Council and Destination NSW prior to applying.

Eligible organisations can complete and submit applications using the online portal at https://rgf.smartygrants.com.au/REAF.

Applications close on Friday 17 December, or when funding is fully committed.