Event organisers in Lake Macquarie holding events between January and June next year are encouraged to apply for money through the state government’s Flagship Event Fund.
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Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, said the 2019 fund would be offered in two rounds per year but with a single application process.
“The NSW Government is continuing to reduce the red tape and for the first time, event organisers no longer have to submit an expression of interest when applying for the Flagship Event Fund,” Mr MacDonald said.
“The change means a more streamlined application process, making it quicker for events in the Hunter to access vital funds and boost tourism in our local communities.”
The Love Seafood Festival, in Port Stephens, and the Newcastle Writers Festival are examples of events held in the Hunter that were supported by funding through the Flagship Event Fund.
“Events can apply for an annual grant of $20,000 or a triennial grant of $27,500 to help market and promote their event to visitors outside of their local area,” Mr MacDonald said.
NSW Minister for tourism and major events, Adam Marshall, said that since 1997 the Regional Flagship Events Program, which includes three different funding streams, had provided more than $10 million to 351 events throughout rural and regional NSW.
“Whether it’s event proponents, tour operators, hoteliers or visitor attractions, we’re working hard right across our regions to make it easier to access vital grants to get initiatives off the ground and to get tourism booming more than ever before,” Mr Marshall said.
The Regional Flagship Events program is managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Applications for Round One of the 2019 Flagship Event Fund close on Monday, October 8. To lodge an application, visit destinationnsw.com.au/rfep.
Round Two applications for events held between July and December 2019 will open in February next year.