$20 million events boost to drive regional tourism

Major events are set to come back bigger and better under a funding boost that drives tourists to the regions and helps communities back on their feet. 
 
Acting Premier Paul Toole today opened applications for Round Two of the NSW Government’s $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund (REAF) to help bring new major sporting, lifestyle, food, music, art and cultural events to regional NSW.
 
“We are serious about driving investment and tourism in the regions – and this package will put more heads on beds, fill restaurants and cafés, and help drive regional NSW’s economic recovery from bushfire, floods, drought, COVID-19 and the current flooding crisis,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The package has already supported more than 80 events and attracted an estimated one million visitors to the regions, laying the foundations for a strong recovery across regional NSW.
 
“Helping organisers host world-class events in their own backyard showcases our great regional towns to national and international audiences.”
 
Event organisers, regional NSW councils, not-for-profit organisations, sporting bodies and Aboriginal Land Councils are eligible to apply for grants.

Applications to the Regional Events Acceleration Fund open today and close 5pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate economic opportunities, create jobs and improve everyday living in the bush.

For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund.