Got a festival, a fun run or a wild idea sitting in the back of your mind that could put Port Macquarie-Hastings on the map? Council is throwing open its wallet, with up to $5,000 up for grabs for the region’s best event pitches.
Applications for Round 1 of the Major Events Grants opened on Monday, 24 August, and close on Sunday, 13 September, with funding available for events held between 1 January and 30 June 2027.
The cash can go towards event-related expenses and marketing, including website development, advertising, social media campaigns, photography, videography and professional marketing support, all aimed at luring visitors from outside the region.
Council runs two rounds a year to help organisers plan ahead. Round 1 is geared towards early-year festivals, late-summer sporting events and holiday long-weekend activations, while Round 2 opens from 22 February to 14 March 2027, better suited to winter showcases, food and wine weekends, and spring and summer destination events.
Announcing the round in a video message, Mayor Adam Roberts made the pitch to would-be event organisers directly.
“These grants can assist with expenses and marketing associated with the event, and help boost our local businesses and visitor economy,” Mayor Roberts said.
“If you’ve got a great event idea that showcases everything our region has to offer, I encourage you to apply now.”
Not quite ready to think that big? There is also a year-round Quick Grants program offering up to $1,000 for smaller events, for organisers with something more modest in mind.
Mayor Roberts pointed hopefuls to council’s website, where a search for “major events grants” turns up the application form and guidelines. Council’s Economic Development team is on hand to help applicants pull together the paperwork, including an event budget and marketing plan.
More information and applications are available at https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Grants-and-Scholarships/Major-Events-Grants.
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