Attracting major sporting, music and cultural events to the Central Coast is becoming easier thanks to $20 million now on offer through the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund targets events that increase visitation, expenditure and length of visitor stays.
“NSW is the envy of the world when it comes to hosting COVID-safe major events,” Mr Crouch said.
“I want to ensure the Central Coast has the opportunity to host sporting, lifestyle, food and beverage events as well as music, art and culture festivals.
“Event organisers, not-for-profit organisations, councils, sport groups and Aboriginal Land Councils looking to host major events in our community are all eligible for this funding.
“Examples of potential projects include attracting a major sporting event to Gosford, installing additional seating areas, establishing a pop-up camping site, or securing a major artist for an existing event.
“The Central Coast playing host to bigger and better events would give our local economy a significant boost in the retail, hospitality and accommodation industries as we continue to recover from bushfires, floods and COVID-19.”
Event organisers, not-for-profit organisations, councils, sport groups and Aboriginal Land Councils can apply for a minimum of $100,000 to help bring major sporting, lifestyle, food and beverage, music, art and cultural events to regional NSW that provide national and international exposure.
Event organisers can also apply for between $50,000 and $200,000 for activities that enhance events.
Applications are open until Friday, 17 December or when the $20 million of funding is fully committed. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund.