EVENTS across the Central West are sharing in the NSW Government's $1 million pledge to help boost tourism economies.
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The 2020 Regional Event Fund is supporting 59 events across the state that are helping to attract visitors, and drive economic activity for local businesses.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said COVID-19 restrictions led to the postponement of many regional NSW events, which meant many event owners and local businesses lost cash flow during the shutdown period.
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"Businesses in regional communities are preparing for a much needed economic boost after enduring drought, bushfires and more recently COVID-19," he said.
The Regional Event Fund will support:
- 18 events through $20,000 annual Flagship Event Fund grants
- 12 events through $30,000 cash and in-kind triennial Flagship Event Fund grants
- 29 events through $10,000 Micro Event Fund grants
Mr Barilaro said funding would help bring regional events back to life.
"These events create local jobs and bring regional communities together, and so we look forward to a full calendar of COVID-Safe events across the state later in 2020 and into next year," he said.
Flagship Event Fund, Central West recipients:
- Bathurst Winter Festival (Bathurst)
- Dubbo Stampede Running Festival (Dubbo)
- Flavours of Mudgee Street Festival (Mudgee)
- National Cherry Festival (Young)
- Warbirds Downunder Airshow (Temora)
Micro Event Fund, Central West recipients:
- Baroquefest (Canowindra)
- Boorowa Irish Woolfest (Boorowa)
- Cowra Christmas Street Festival (Cowra)
- Harden Kite Festival (Harden)
- Trundle Show (Trundle)
- Woodstock Memorial Show (Woodstock)
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the fund would provide critical support to the tourism and events industries across NSW.
"The calibre and diversity of events supported through the Regional Event Fund will give visitors plenty of extra motivation to get out and explore regional NSW," Mr Ayres said.
"Tourism is the backbone of so many regional NSW towns, and we know that events are a big drawcard for intrastate and interstate visitors so the NSW Government is proud to support these activities at such a critical time."
Events scheduled between May 1 and December 31, 2020 at the time of application were eligible for funding.
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