Regional Events Get a $1.5 Million Boost

Regional event organisers across NSW have a new opportunity to grow their events, with the Minns Labor Government announcing a $1.5 million injection through the

Regional Event Fund for the 2026/27 financial year.

From 18 March, applications open for grants of up to $50,000 to help deliver events that attract visitors, drive overnight stays, and boost local economies. Managed by Destination NSW, the fund supports communities to host events that reflect local culture and generate real expenditure for local businesses.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the investment recognises the vital role events play in regional life.

"Regional events are the heartbeat of local communities. They bring locals together to celebrate what makes their region unique while also driving real economic benefits by attracting visitors, creating jobs and supporting local businesses," he said.

The timing is significant. The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows regional NSW welcomed more than 15 million domestic and international visitors in the September 2025 quarter, injecting over $6 billion into the regional visitor economy. With the NSW Government's Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 targeting $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure — almost half of which is expected to come from regional areas — continued investment in events is seen as essential to reaching that goal.

The Regional Event Fund operates across three streams. New events in their first or second year can apply for up to $20,000 in seed funding through the Incubator Event stream. Emerging events that have been running for more than two years can access $20,000 through the Flagship Event stream, with established events eligible for grants of up to $50,000 through the Event Development stream.

Minister Kamper highlighted the fund's track record. "The Regional Event Fund has supported around 600 events with more than $15 million in funding, helping turn events like the Deni Ute Muster and the Parkes Elvis Festival into bucket list regional experiences," he said. "This grant enables more local events to grow and helps support local operators create the next big regional drawcard."

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 12 April 2026. All events must be staged between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

For more information and to apply, visit destinationnsw.com.au/destination-nsw-business-support/grants-and-funding.