Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program

People across regional NSW can celebrate their community and reconnect with neighbours and friends at local markets, carnivals, festivals and fairs, thanks to a new $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Eligible applicants must be local councils located in regional NSW, excluding Metropolitan Sydney Newcastle, Wollongong, Blue Mountains and Wollondilly.

Eligible Projects

The $25 million Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package and is designed to  provide immediate positive economic and social benefits to regional NSW.

Events must:

• be open to all members of the public
• free to attend or a very small fee to cover any extra costs
• have a primary purpose of reconnecting communities and improving social cohesion of the local community
• be held before 31 March 2023.

Examples of eligible events include:

• community markets
• festivals and fairs
• sporting events
• food and leisure events
• recovery events
• community classes and workshops
• agricultural field days (run by community organisations)
• theatre programs & touring events
• community public holiday events (Anzac Day or Australia Day, for example).

Applicants can apply for multiple events in the one application. 

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants portal. You will need the following information:

• basic organisation details including $20 million Public Liability Insurance certificate for the event organiser
• proposed event(s) and project costs
• response to assessment criteria
• an invoice for 80 percent of the amount outlined in the funding allocation letter excluding GST (for council applicants).

Applications Open: Thursday 7 April 2022
Applications Close: Friday 24 June 2022 at 5pm AEST

Resources & More Information

The following resources will help you with your application:

• Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program Guidelines (PDF, 21.48 MB)
• Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program Sample Application Form and Funding Deed (PDF, 441.86 KB)

This event starter guide will help you navigate many of the issues involved in organising public, outdoor events in NSW.

More information can be obtained by contacting the Department of Regional NSW.

Ph: 1300 679 673
Email: regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au launch

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by Department staff, and eligible applicants will enter into a simple, legally binding funding agreement.