Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) is a funding initiative by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ). It supports the growth of destination events. These events must boost tourism, provide economic benefits, and get the community involved in Queensland regions. The program helps events that attract visitors from outside a local government area. This expands regional visitation and increases overnight stays. The program contributes to Queensland’s broader tourism vision, Destination 2045. It does this by enhancing event quality, fostering industry growth, and elevating the profile of local destinations.

Since its beginning in 2015, QDEP has provided over $25 million in funding to more than 1,000 events. This has supported diverse cultural, sporting, culinary, and community gatherings across Queensland. The program supports critical event components. This includes marketing, event programming, short-term personnel hiring, infrastructure hire, and strategic event growth planning. All of this is done to extend the reach and impact of regional events.

This program aligns with Queensland’s 20-year tourism vision. It promotes Indigenous-led events, sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. This maximises the social and economic benefits of Queensland’s event sector.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: The program has three funding options:
  • Destination Signature Event Investment: $15,000 to $40,000 annually. Events can get funding for up to six years.
  • Destination Significant Event Investment: $25,000 to $100,000 annually. Events can get funding for up to six years.
  • Elevate Indigenous Events Investment: $15,000 to $40,000. This is a one-off grant.
• Application open: The program has two funding rounds each year. Round 1 opened on 10 March 2025. Round 2 is expected to open in late August 2025.
• Application close: Round 1 closes on 3 July 2025. This is for events held between January 2026 and January 2027.
• Eligible entities: Event organisers, including not-for-profits, local councils, private businesses, and Indigenous organisations. They must deliver a destination event in Queensland.
• Co-contributions: The grant funding cannot be more than 25% of the total cash expenditure budget. Co-contributions are required to cover the remaining costs.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Queensland regional areas.

Priority Sectors

Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) supports a broad range of event types. It particularly focuses on:

• Signature events: These events must showcase their host destination to audiences beyond the local area. They must have a proven track record of attracting visitors.
• Significant events: These events must show growth potential or have a strong track record. They must have been held for at least three years.
• Indigenous-led events: These events must highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
• Events that promote sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion.

Funding Scope

• Funding ranges:
  • Signature Event Investment: $15,000–$40,000 per year.
  • Significant Event Investment: $25,000–$100,000 per year.
  • Elevate Indigenous Events Investment: $15,000–$40,000 one-off grant.
• Eligible funding uses:
  • Marketing campaigns that target visitors outside the local region.
  • Enhancements to the event program and attendee experience.
  • Hiring short-term specialised personnel.
  • Hiring temporary infrastructure to improve capacity and quality.
  • Development of strategic, marketing, commercial, accessibility, and sustainability plans.
• Project timeline: Funding is available for up to six years for Signature and Significant Events. It is a one-off grant for Indigenous Events.

Grant Amount in Total

Over $25 million has been distributed since the program began. Annual round pools vary.

Eligibility Criteria

• The event must be held in Queensland and not rotate locations.
• Events must have been staged previously. Signature Events must have been staged at least twice. Significant Events must have been staged for at least three years. Elevate Indigenous Events must have been staged at least twice.
• The applicant must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be an incorporated entity.
• Applicants must show clear tourism benefits. This includes visitor attractions and overnight stays.
• Events must align with the funding round’s eligible event dates. Round 1, 2025 is for events held between January 2026 and January 2027.
• Applicants must not have any overdue reporting with TEQ.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program funds activities that increase tourism.

• Marketing outside the local region. This includes digital advertising, public relations, and influencer campaigns.
• Program enhancements. This could be headline talent, longer schedules, and activations.
• Short-term hiring of specialised personnel, like marketing coordinators.
• Temporary infrastructure hire. This includes seating, stages, or safety installations.
• Event growth initiatives. This includes commercial strategy, diversity, accessibility, and sustainability planning.

Assessment Process

Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP) is a competitive, merit-based assessment. TEQ panels do it.

Evaluation is based on:

• Event growth and development potential.
• Strategic fit with Queensland tourism objectives.
• Economic impact and visitor metrics.
• Innovation and quality of project activities.
• Capability, compliance, and financial viability.

Recent Program Updates

The most recent funding round opened on 10 March 2025 and closes on 3 July 2025. TEQ recently increased funding caps. It also introduced multi-year investment options. There is a stronger focus on Indigenous event support and cultural tourism priorities. The program also emphasises event sustainability, inclusion, and broader tourism outcomes.

Application Tips

• Review the detailed program guidelines. Ensure your event is eligible.
• Prepare a robust event budget. Show that the requested funding is no more than 25% of your total cash spending.
• Clearly explain your visitor growth, marketing strategies, and event enhancement plans.
• Get endorsement letters from destination partners or tourism bodies.
• Submit a comprehensive application well before the deadline. This allows time for review and corrections.
• Use available program support. Attend information sessions provided by TEQ.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist such as Pattens Group. They can help with eligibility checks and application development. Visit the Tourism and Events Queensland website for official guidelines and resources.