Thursday, 10 August 2017
EVENT organisers across the Northern Tablelands are being encouraged to apply for grants under the NSW Government’s 2018 Flagship Event Fund, with expressions of interest open now.
Local State MP Adam Marshall said the fund offered successful applicants a one-off annual grant of $20,000 or a triennial grant of $27,500 per year for three years.
“This funding will help our region’s blockbuster events continue to expand and attract more visitors – helping to drive local economies and promote our great towns,” Mr Marshall said.
“With Expressions of Interest now open for events that have been running for more than two years, I’d encourage organisers of our flagship events to register their interest in funding support for marketing.
“The Northern Tablelands is a regional leader in hosting major events – while many country areas may claim one major festival; our towns boast many celebrations of local culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that sets our patch apart from the rest.
“With events like the Glen Innes Celtic Festival, Moree on a Plate, Opera in the Paddock and Day on the Green – there’s major events across the Northern Tablelands that appeal to all ages and interests.
“This 2018 Flagship Event Fund will help established events build upon their successes – further attracting overnight visitors to our towns and marketing the Tablelands to the whole of Australia.”
Mr Marshall said the Fund, which is managed by the State’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, is part of the Government’s record spend in rural and regional tourism.
“The NSW Government has committed $43 million over four years to attract more visitors to experience our wonderful rural and regional destinations and events,” Mr Marshall said.
“This Fund is part of our record investment in growing tourism across the State and represents rural and regional NSW at its best with local communities coming together to stage events, which are often a great reflection of the region’s unique character and culture.”
Expressions of Interest for the 2018 Flagship Event Fund are open until COB Friday 1 September 2017 and applicants whose expressions of interest sufficiently meet the criteria will be invited to submit a full application in October.
For further information on the 2018 Flagship Event Fund and to lodge an expression of interest visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/rfep