Regional events like the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge drive visitation and support the visitor economy.
Applications for the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund (REF) are officially open, providing valuable support for regional event organisers across NSW. This funding program supports events that drive visitation, extend overnight stays and contribute to the visitor economy across regional NSW.
With a four-week application window, event organisers are strongly encouraged to start preparing early and allow sufficient time to gather supporting information, data and endorsements.
The NSW Government has announced $1.5 million in funding to support regional events across the state. Funding is available across the following streams for events held between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.
• Incubator Event Stream: Supports new events in their first or second year, providing up to $20,000 in seed funding to help establish events that can drive visitation. Read the Incubator Grant Guidelines.
• Flagship Event Stream: Supports emerging events with a track record of more than two years, offering grants of $20,000 to help grow profile and visitation. Events that have exhausted their annual grant limit are eligible for up to $30,000 over three years. Read the Flagship Grant Guidelines.
Applications will close at midnight, Sunday 12 April 2026 for Incubator and Flagship streams.
For further information on the Regional Event Fund, please visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/destination-nsw-businesssupport/grants-and-funding or email the Grants Administration team directly at grants.admin@dnsw.com.au.