Up to $1 million per event for sporting, creative, culinary, or cultural that fosters innovation, sustainability, and aligns with broader tourism and community development goals.
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What is the Regional Events Fund?
The Regional Events Fund (REF), delivered by Visit Victoria, provides financial support to help attract and grow events held in regional Victoria. The Fund is part of the broader Regional Tourism and Events Fund 2023/24–2026/27 and is designed to drive economic benefit, visitation, and community engagement across Victoria’s diverse regions.
The REF supports a wide array of events including sporting, creative, culinary and cultural festivals, and it encourages innovation, sustainability, and alignment with broader tourism and community priorities.
There are three distinct streams:
- Stream 1: Regional Event Acquisition – For major, one-off or ongoing events that are exclusive to Victoria and attract large-scale visitation.
- Stream 2: Event Growth and Development – Supports medium to large-scale events that are already delivering economic benefits and seek to grow further.
- Stream 3: Event Industry Support – Supports smaller-scale events to build capability, boost marketing efforts, and attract interstate and intrastate audiences.
Regional Events Fund level of support
Minimum and Maximum Funding
- Stream 1: Up to $1 million per event
- Stream 2: Up to $500,000 per event
- Stream 3: Up to $50,000 per event
Co-contribution Requirements
While there is no fixed co-contribution percentage mandated, applicants must show financial support from non-state sources, such as local government, sponsors, or earned income, and demonstrate financial sustainability.
Additionally, specific funding caps apply:
- Operational support: Maximum 50% of total funding request
- Event resource support: Maximum 25% of total funding request
Regional Events Fund important dates
Stream 2 – Event Growth and Development (Rounds open in tranches)
- Round 4 Closing: 30 Jun 2025
- Round 5 Closing: 24 Sep 2025
Stream 3 – Event Industry Support
- Opens monthly (excluding Dec and Jan) through to 30 June 2027.
- Events must be scheduled to commence at least 3 months after the expected funding decision.
Note: Funding dates and availability are subject to change if funds are fully allocated.
Register your interest with GrantHelper.
Regional Events Fund objectives
The Regional Events Fund aims to:
- Increase economic benefits to regional communities by driving visitor numbers, length of stay, and local expenditure.
- Showcase Victoria’s key tourism strengths and enhance its reputation as a leading events destination.
- Deliver strong benefits to local communities through participation and celebration.
- Build a sustainable calendar of high-quality regional events.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Regional Events Fund support
Support is available for:
- Events with clear economic benefit and growth plans.
- Medium to large-scale events attracting intrastate or interstate visitors.
- Events of regional, state or national significance.
- Existing events that show innovation in delivery or content.
- Feasibility planning and multi-year development strategies.
- Marketing initiatives designed to increase regional visitation.
The REF does not fund:
- Events outside Victoria
- Purchase of land or assets
- Rent/lease of office space
- Prize money, donations or charitable activities
- Religious or public holiday events (e.g. Christmas, Easter)
- Business conferences or trade shows
- Agricultural shows, farmers markets, community celebrations
- Events receiving similar support from other State/Commonwealth sources
- Events that start too early or after 31 December 2027
Other Regional Events Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Regional Events Fund support
The following entities are eligible:
- Private companies (with public benefit outcomes)
- Local Government Authorities in Victoria
- Regional Tourism Boards and Visitor Economy Partnerships
- Not-for-profit organisations (sporting, community, cultural, arts)
- Joint applications led by a single responsible agency
Applicants must:
- Hold an ABN
- Carry at least $20 million in public liability insurance
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Regional Events Fund assessment criteria
Applications will be competitively assessed against the following expanded criteria:
1. Economic Benefits
- Visitor numbers (attendees, organisers, etc.)
- Average length of stay and visitor expenditure
- Local jobs created
Strong preference for events lasting more than one day.
2. Financial Viability
- Demonstrated financial planning and capacity
- Co-investment from non-State sources
- Ability to manage and deliver the event effectively
3. Strategic Brand Alignment
- Event aligns with regional tourism strategy and identity
- Strengthens Victoria’s event brand through media, promotion, and innovation
- Enhances perception of the region through reach, marketing, and partnerships
4. Calendar Fit
- Favourable consideration for off-peak and shoulder-season events
- Events that avoid public holidays and long weekends
5. Alignment with Government Priorities
- Inclusion of First Nations culture and local supply chains
- Community engagement opportunities
- Promotes diversity, access, and inclusion
- Supports Victoria’s regional development goals (e.g. sport, creative industries)
How do I get the Regional Events Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Regional Events Fund application
Applicants must include:
- Event overview and past/current attendance data
- Independent economic impact reports (if available)
- Marketing plan detailing (a. Intrastate targeting, b. Media and promotional strategy, c. Timeline)
- Event feasibility and delivery plans
- Stakeholder engagement and letters of support (mandatory from RTB/VEP)
- Budget and revenue forecasts
- Risk management and sustainability strategies
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Regional Events Fund
Stream 1
1. Contact Visit Victoria directly to discuss eligibility and proposal before being invited to apply.
Stream 2 and 3
1. Contact your Regional Tourism Board or Visitor Economy Partnership and obtain a letter of support.
2. Submit your application via the SmartyGrants portal.
3. Visit Victoria will review and may request additional info.
4. Applicants will be notified within 10 business days whether:
- Application proceeds
- Further info is needed
- Application is referred or rejected
5. Shortlisted proposals go to the Minister for final decision.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Regional Events Fund resources
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