Three North Coast events are among 56 regional festivals to receive NSW Government funding through the 2026–27 Regional Event Fund.
The Soundboks Oz Grom Open at Lennox Head, the Casino Truck Show and Savour the Tweed at Tweed Heads have secured funding under the program, which is providing more than $1.3 million in grants across regional NSW.
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in regional NSW tourism, because we understand that when we get visitors into our regions, they stay longer and spend more in our great state.” said Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper.
“64 million visitors. $27 billion in visitor expenditure. Regional NSW isn’t just holding its own, it’s leading the country. And this government is determined to keep it that way.
“These events are the heartbeat of their communities, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to back them.”
Administered by Destination NSW, the Regional Event Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 to support marketing, public relations, infrastructure and equipment hire. The NSW Government said the funding is intended to help regional events attract visitors and deliver economic benefits to local communities.
The announcement follows the release of Tourism Research Australia data showing regional NSW remained Australia’s largest regional visitor destination in the year ended March 2026.
According to the data, more than 64 million domestic and international visitors travelled to regional NSW during the period, spending more than $27 billion. The government said regional NSW recorded the highest number of regional visits and visitor nights nationally.
The NSW Government has set a target of increasing regional visitor expenditure to $44 billion by 2035.
The Regional Event Fund has operated since 1996. The government said it has supported more than 650 events with more than $17 million in funding, including the Deni Ute Muster and the Parkes Elvis Festival.
A full list of 2026–27 funding recipients is available at www.destinationnsw.com.au/regional-event-fund-2026-27.
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