Regional Events Fund Victoria – Round 5

Purpose and Program Overview

The Regional Events Fund Victoria supports events that boost economic growth, tourism, and community wellbeing in regional Victoria. The program helps attract, develop, and deliver these events. It gives financial assistance to event organisers. These include local governments, not-for-profits, and private entities. The goal is to strengthen regional visitor economies and promote regional Victoria.

The fund supports a range of regional events. This includes arts, cultural, sports, and culinary festivals. It also covers community celebrations. By supporting new and existing events, the fund contributes to economic diversification and job creation. It also increases visitation outside metropolitan Melbourne. This aligns with state goals for regional development and tourism growth.

The Regional Events Fund Victoria plays an important role in revitalising regional economies. It enhances social cohesion through events. These events celebrate local culture, heritage, and community participation.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: The fund has three streams:
  • Stream 1 (Major Events): Up to $1 million per event. This stream is for events that bring thousands of visitors to Victoria.
  • Stream 2 (Event Growth and Development): Up to $500,000 per event. This stream supports events that have the potential to grow.
  • Stream 3 (Event Industry Support): Up to $50,000 per event. This stream builds capability and supports event marketing.
• Application open:
  • Stream 2: The next round opens on 4 August 2025.
  • Stream 3: This stream has a monthly intake, excluding December and January.
• Application closes:
  • Stream 2: The next round closes on 24 September 2025.
  • Stream 3: Applications are batched monthly.
• Eligible entities: Local government authorities, not-for-profit organisations, private companies, regional tourism boards, and visitor economy partnerships.
• Co-contributions: No fixed percentage is required. However, applicants must show financial support from sources other than the state government. Funding for operational support is capped at 50% of the total request. Funding for event resource support is capped at 25% of the total request.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Victoria. Events must be held in regional, rural, and remote areas.

Priority Sectors

Regional Events Fund Victoria program gives priority to events that:

• Deliver significant visitor numbers and increase the length of stay in regional areas.
• Create local employment opportunities.
• Align with regional tourism strategies and enhance a region’s brand perception.
• Promote community engagement, inclusion, and diversity.
• Incorporate First Nations culture and local supply chain development.
• Occur during off-peak or shoulder seasons to support year-round visitation.
• They are positioned to rebuild tourism in regions affected by natural disasters.

Funding Scope

• Funding range: Up to $1 million for Stream 1, up to $500,000 for Stream 2, and up to $50,000 for Stream 3.
• Eligible project types: The program supports a wide range of events, including arts, cultural, sports, and culinary festivals.
• Project timeline: Events must be scheduled to begin at least three months after the funding decision. For Stream 2 applications received between August and September, decisions are expected in November or December.
• Total funding pool: The total funding available is not publicly specified. It varies each year. The fund is part of the Victorian Government’s broader Regional Tourism and Events Fund.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Private companies must show clear public benefit outcomes.
• Applicants must hold at least $20 million in public liability insurance.
• All applicants for Streams 2 and 3 must have a letter of support from their local Regional Tourism Board or Visitor Economy Partnership.
• Events must be open to the public. They must also be free or affordable.
• Events that have failed to acquire previous funding are not eligible.
• Events that receive other state or Commonwealth funding for the same outcomes are not eligible.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program funds a range of costs related to event delivery.

• Event planning and operational costs.
• Marketing and promotional activities. This is to attract visitors from outside the local area.
• Infrastructure and equipment hire specifically for the event.
• Community engagement and partnership development activities.
• Capacity building and industry support initiatives within the event sector.

Assessment Process

Regional Events Fund Victoria is a competitive, merit-based selection. A panel assesses it.

Assessment criteria include:

• Economic impact: Visitor numbers and regional benefits.
• Financial viability: The sustainability of the event.
• Strategic alignment: How the event aligns with regional tourism and government priorities.
• Innovation, diversity, and inclusion: In event offerings and teams.
• Calendar fit: Preference is given to off-peak event timing.

For Stream 1, applicants are invited to submit a proposal after a consultation. For Streams 2 and 3, applications are submitted through the SmartyGrants portal.

Regional Events Fund Victoria: Recent Program Updates

Round 5 opened on 1 August 2025. It has an increased focus on Indigenous cultural inclusion, diversity, and sustainable event practices. There is ongoing work to expand regional visitation during shoulder seasons. Enhanced support and a simplified application process are in place to encourage broad participation.

Application Tips

• Contact your Regional Tourism Board or Visitor Economy Partnership early. This is a mandatory step for Streams 2 and 3. Get a letter of endorsement.
• Develop detailed and realistic event budgets. Show confirmation of co-investment sources.
• Clearly explain the economic and community benefits of your event.
• Ensure your event timing aligns with program calendar requirements. Preference is given to events in the off-peak season.
• Use official guidelines and program templates for your application.
• Apply early to get feedback. This allows time for revisions if needed.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. They can help with eligibility advice and application preparation. Visit the Visit Victoria website and vic.gov.au for comprehensive program details and application resources.