Iconic events grant

Funded projects must address one or more of these objectives:

• Support flagship events that attract regional or national attention and deliver significant economic and community benefits.
• Strengthen the local events industry by supporting large-scale events that enhance community connection and cultural identity.
• Stimulate economic activity by increasing visitation, boosting local businesses, and creating flow-on benefits for hospitality, accommodation, transport, and infrastructure services.
• Position Eurobodalla as a premier event destination by supporting high-profile events that enhance the region’s reputation, attract return visitation, and create lasting economic and social benefits.

Applicants can be from one of these categories:

• Local event organisers: organisations delivering large-scale events with significant economic and community benefits.
• Tourism and cultural organisations: groups planning events that drive visitation and enhance the region’s cultural vibrancy.
• Sporting bodies and major competition organisers: sporting organisations hosting regional, state, or national sporting events that attract interstate competitors, teams, and spectators.
• Nature-based, wellness, and industry-aligned event organisers: groups creating events that showcase Eurobodalla’s natural landscapes, outdoor recreation, wellness experiences, and local industries, attracting eco-tourists and niche markets.

Applicants with outstanding debts to Council or who have existing Council grant funding that has not yet been expended or acquitted will not be eligible to apply.

Examples of what the funding can be used for:

• Event-specific equipment purchases or hire (eg staging, sound systems, lighting, marquees).
• Temporary venue infrastructure purchases or hire (eg fencing, toilets, accessible ramps).
• Marketing and promotional materials (eg digital ads, print materials, signage, PR).
• Event insurance and permits.
• Entertainment and programming (eg headline acts, performers, speakers, emcees).
• Volunteer support (eg catering, uniforms, training, coordination).
• Accessibility supports (eg Auslan interpreters, mobility aids, accessible transport).
• Waste management and cleaning services for the event.
• Safety and security services for the event (eg traffic control, first aid, crowd management).
• Materials for workshops or interactive activities.
• Transport and logistics (eg shuttle buses, freight for event materials).
• Temporary staffing directly related to event delivery (eg event coordinators, production crew).
• Specialist services required for large-scale delivery (eg production management, risk management planning).

Examples of what the funding cannot be used for:

• Ongoing operational or administrative costs not directly related to the event (eg office rent, general staff wages, utilities).
• Events that are religious, political, or fundraising in nature.
• Alcohol, gambling, or tobacco-related expenses.
• Retrospective funding for events already held or expenses already incurred.
• Events not open to the general public (eg private functions or invite-only events).
• Prizes, trophies, scholarships, or honorariums.
• Events held at venues with gaming machines, unless no alternative is available and risks are mitigated.

Grant recipients are expected to:

• use funds strictly for the approved purpose
• publicly acknowledge Council’s support
• submit a project acquittal
• provide a current Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance (minimum $20 million)
• comply with Council’s event permit application process if your event is held on Council-owned or managed land.

The key funding details include:

• Maximum grant amount: $75,000 per application over three years (with a maximum of $25,000 per financial year)
• Co-contributions: strongly encouraged
• Total funding available for 2025-26: $65,000 (as outlined in Eurobodalla Council’s Operational Plan).

The application and assessment process includes these steps:

1. Promotion: via Council’s website, newsletters, social media, and direct outreach to regional event organisers, tourism operators, local business chambers. Industry networks and peak bodies relevant to events, tourism, and sport. Event and grant directories (eg SmartyGrants, Destination NSW).
2. Assessment panel: the mayor (or his delegate), a representative from the Department of Regional NSW and/or Destination NSW, an independent external expert, a member of Council’s Events team as a non-assessing facilitator.
3. Approval: by resolution of Council.
4. Public notice: not required, as the grant is included in Council’s Operational Plan.
5. Notification: applicants will be notified and grants issued pending Council resolution.