TAS Event Attraction Fund 2025

Purpose and Program Overview

The TAS Event Attraction Fund 2025 is a Tasmanian Government initiative aimed at securing mass participation events. Its core purpose is to drive substantial levels of interstate visitation to Tasmania, particularly during the shoulder and winter months (March to November). By attracting these events, the fund seeks to deliver significant economic and social benefits across the state.

The fund provides financial support in the form of grants, with amounts varying based on projected visitor numbers and the event’s location. The purpose of this strategic investment is to bolster Tasmania’s standing as a leading event destination, boost the visitor economy, and promote community involvement.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount or Funding Range: Up to $750,000 per event.
• Application Open and Close Dates: Applications are open until 31 May 2027, or until funding has been fully allocated, whichever occurs first.
• Eligible Industries or Business Types: Organisers of mass participation events, including Tasmanian-based and interstate event organisers, provided the event is held in Tasmania.
• Required Co-contributions: A minimum of 60% of the overall event income budget must be contributed by the applicant.
• Location/State/Territory Applicability: Events must be held in Tasmania. Additional funding may be available for events held outside Greater Hobart (Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy, and Kingborough local government areas).

Priority Sectors

The program explicitly targets the events sector, specifically focusing on mass participation events that drive interstate tourism and generate economic and social benefits for Tasmania. It aims to boost visitation during the shoulder and winter months (March to November).

Funding Scope

The funding structure is based on anticipated visitor numbers, with additional incentives for regional events:

• Maximum Grant Amounts by Visitation:
  • 400-549 visitors: Up to $100,000
  • 550-799 visitors: Up to $250,000
  • 800-950 visitors: Up to $400,000
  • Over 950 visitors: Up to $750,000
• Regional Additional Funding:
  • 20% additional funding for events with 400-799 visitors held outside Greater Hobart.
  • 10% additional funding for events with 800+ visitors held outside Greater Hobart.
• Project Timeline: Events must be held between March and November in 2025, 2026, or 2027.

Grant Funding Guide by Visitation Numbers

Eligibility Criteria for TAS Event Attraction Fund 2025

• ABN and Registration: Must be registered for tax purposes in Australia with a continuously active Australian Business Number (ABN) on or before 30 June 2024.
• Insurance: Must hold Public Liability Insurance, or be able to obtain it, to the value of $20 million.
• Application Timing: Must apply under Stage One at least four months (16 weeks) before the event commencement date.
• Event Period and Location: Must hold an event between March and November (inclusive) in Tasmania.
• Financial Contribution: Must be able to contribute at least 60% of the overall event income budget.
• Visitor Numbers: Events must demonstrate that more than 400 participants will travel to Tasmania for the event.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

TAS Event Attraction Fund 2025primarily supports expenditure directly related to the staging and promotion of the event:

• All expenditure relating to the staging and promotion of the event is being funded.
• Ineligible expenditure includes:
  • The acquisition of equipment, activities, or services is not exclusive to this particular event.
  • Infrastructure purchases.
  • Funding must be allocated for activities that begin before grant approval, without any retrospective funding.
  • Payments for fines and penalties are also required.
  • The programme does not cover debt or loans.
  • Legal fees.
• Ineligible event types: Events held in December, January, and February; conferences, conventions, symposiums, trade fairs, expos, concert series, and touring acts or shows. Tasmanian organised music or arts events may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Assessment Process

• Nature of the Grant: Competitive.
• Evaluation Criteria: Applications are assessed by a judging panel. Stage One applicants must demonstrate and provide evidence of:
  • The event will draw in a significant number of visitors to Tasmania.
  • The length of time these visitors will stay in Tasmania.
  • There is a deliberate strategy in place to promote prolonged visits.
  • There will be a significant economic and social return on investment.
  • The strategy aligns with the economic, social, and brand pillars of the Tasmanian Government’s Events Strategy.

Recent Program Updates

The 2025 Event Attraction Fund, a $5 million commitment, was announced as part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. The program launched in April 2025. The application process is two-staged: an initial Stage One eligibility assessment, followed by an invitation to Stage Two for eligible applicants. There are no new legislative changes beyond the program’s establishment and its alignment with the existing Tasmanian Government Events Strategy 2023-2027.

Application Tips

• Please ensure your Stage One application is submitted at least 16 weeks before your event.
• Clearly project and provide evidence for the expected number of interstate visitors your event will attract.
• Outline how your event will generate significant economic and social benefits for Tasmania.
• Detail strategies for encouraging visitors to extend their stay in the state.
• Ensure your event takes place between March and November and meets all co-contribution requirements.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant websites for application templates and further guidance.