The NSW Government has announced that rural and regional events held from January to June next year, can now apply for grants under Round One of next year’s 2018 Incubator Event Fund.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the Fund, managed by the State’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, offers annual grants of up to $20,000 to new and existing smaller-scale events.
“Hosting events in our communities not only delivers important economic and community benefits to our region but helps to put our region on the map,” Mr Constance said.
“Whether organisers are after assistance for marketing, public relations, venue hire or attendee research, the 2017/18 Incubator Event Fund provides those staging an event, for its first or second time, with a platform to help attract more visitors to destinations in rural and regional NSW.
“This year saw the first B2B Paddle Board event held on the Clyde River and Four Winds staged the Sounds of Tango and Flamenco, both assisted by the Incubator fund.
“Regional events play an important role in growing our local economy, and I encourage event organisers to learn more about this wonderful NSW Government opportunity which is now on offer,” said Mr Constance.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the Government recognises the value events bring to local communities economies.
“The 2017/18 Incubator Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $43 million record investment in regional tourism and aims to support community events across rural and regional NSW with a pathway for future growth and development,” Mr Marshall said.
“Through Destination NSW, we have secured and retained more than 290 rural and regional events since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to expand our wonderful NSW Events’ Calendar.”
Applications for Round One are open until Sunday, 1 October 2017 with Round Two, set to open in February next year for events held in July to December 2018.
To lodge an application and to view the 2018 Incubator Event Fund’s key criteria and terms and conditions, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/rfep.
The Incubator Event Fund is part of the Regional Flagship Events Program which also includes the Flagship Event Fund and Event Development Fund. Media Release
