Events across the Illawarra and South Coast are set to benefit from a $1.5 million funding boost as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Event Fund for the 2025/26 financial year.

Event organisers can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support new and existing events that enrich the state’s event calendar and drive increased overnight tourism to regional communities.

Managed by Destination NSW, the fund is designed to strengthen regional visitor economies and is available through three key funding streams:

• Incubator Event Stream – Up to $20,000 for new events in their first or second year to help establish them as major tourism drivers.
• Flagship Event Stream – Grants of $20,000 for events running for more than two years to help boost their profile. Events that have previously received three years of funding can apply for $30,000 over three years.
• Event Development Stream – Up to $50,000 for established events that have completed the Flagship Event stream’s three-year funding cycle.

Boosting Local Communities and Tourism

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, highlighted the importance of supporting regional events, which bring communities together, attract tourists, and strengthen local economies.

“The Regional Event Fund has already supported over 530 events with $14 million in funding, helping turn events like the Deni Ute Muster and Parkes Elvis Festival into must-visit experiences,” he said.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, emphasised the impact of the funding on local economies.

“Events bring business, jobs, and tourists to our small towns, providing a fantastic economic boost to the Illawarra and the South Coast,” he said.

Previous Funding Successes in the Region

The Regional Event Fund has already supported numerous events in the Illawarra and South Coast, including:

• Big Country Festival, Berry
• The KISS Arts Festival, Kiama
• Waterfront Food + Wine Festival, Shell Cove
• Yours & Owls Festival, Wollongong
• National Freestyle Mountain Bike Championships, Tongarra
• Ultra Trail Jervis Bay

Applications Now Open

Applications for the 2025/26 Regional Event Fund close at midnight on Sunday, 6 April 2025. Eligible events must be scheduled between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

For more information or to apply, visit: www.destinationnsw.com.au.