The information & links contained in this article were published in 2022 and may no longer be current. We recommend checking the following sections for more recent content - Cultural Tourism
Cultural Events & Festivals have long been what the Mid North Coast is known for with some such as Camp Creative and the Kendall National Violin Competition established more than two decades ago. Today there are a host of events and several ways in which they can gain assistance from Destination NSW.
The Regional Flagship Events Program
The Regional Flagship Events Program identifies and supports events in Regional NSW that have the potential to act as ‘cornerstone’, or Flagship, tourism events for their area by attracting overnight visitation and delivering long term benefits to their region.
On 6 July 2016, the NSW Government announced that the Regional Flagship Events Program would be expanded to include two additional funds in addition to the existing marketing support fund. The name “Regional Flagship Events Program” will remain as the umbrella title under which the three funds will sit as follows:
- Incubator Event Fund – supports the establishment of new events
- Flagship Event Fund – supports the marketing of emerging events to increase their profile and encourage visitation.
- Event Development Fund – supports the strategic development of proven flagship events as drivers of tourism
More detailed information can be found at
Other DNSW Event Support
A key role for Destination NSW is the provision of professional event expertise and financial assistance to event partners. The aim is to work in partnership with industry to develop the NSW Events Calendar that delivers both medium and long-term benefits to Sydney and NSW.
To be considered for support an event partner needs to make a formal submission to Destination NSW, which details the economic, strategic, marketing and community impacts of their proposed event.
Those seeking support should first read the seven key assessment criteria and if the event meets one or more of the strategic criteria then work through the checklist before sending in a full submission. Working through the checklist will help you understand the assessment process.
Details can be found at http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/events/support-for-events
Local Government Support
A number of Councils on the Mid North Coast have their own Events grants or sponsorship systems. These vary so you should check with the Tourism Manager at your local Council.