Million dollars for regional events
Events are really important for regional communities because they give people from outside the town or area extra motivation to visit, stay 'locally' and spend 'locally'.
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On top of this, events stimulate regional economies through engaging local businesses such as food and beverage and infrastructure suppliers, tradespeople and staff, who all contribute to the delivery of a successful event.
The Destination NSW regional event funding programs will give organisers a chance to put forward sporting, arts, cultural and lifestyle events that bring an economic and social boost to their town.
The two funding streams now open will offer:
- Flagship Event Fund - grants of $20,000 to support event marketing activities to attract visitors from outside their immediate regions and drive tourism.
- Micro Event Fund - one-off grants of $10,000 to community-based events in bushfire or drought-affected areas with total operating budgets of $75,000 or less that have the capacity to bring together local communities, attract visitation and stimulate local economies.
This State funding complements the Commonwealth's Recovery Grants and will provide short-to-medium term tactical support to regional communities that we know are hurting as a result of devastating bushfires and drought.
Applications are now open and close on Wednesday, March 25. Register at https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/tourism/business-developmentresources/funding-and-grants/regional-event.
Youth projects grow stronger communities
Young people and communities across regional NSW are set to benefit from $100 million worth of grass-roots projects soon to get underway thanks to round three of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).
The new projects include training facilities, sports facility redevelopments, playgrounds and accessibility upgrades, as well as programs that promote job readiness, support wellbeing and offer social activities.
The drought and recent bush fires have had a devastating effect on regional NSW and to have $100 million worth of projects about to get underway will help boost morale at this difficult time.
The Regional Youth Taskforce identified job readiness, digital accessibility, physical activity and well-being as some of the key issues that need to be addressed and I'm proud we're delivering more than 250 projects that will do just that.
New bridge at Chifley open
The new Clarence Bridge over the main western rail line at Chifley has opened to traffic l, improving safety for motorists travelling between Lithgow and Bell.
Transport for NSW teams completed the bridge in six months, with work continuing to upgrade and widen Chifley Road.
The new bridge was built to the north of the existing bridge to provide a safer and wider crossing, with work to soon start on dismantling the old bridge, which was built in 1943.
The intersection of Chifley Road and the road leading into the Clarence Colliery will also be upgraded as part of the project.
The NSW Government has provided $24 million for the project as part of its ongoing work to upgrade the Bells Line of Road.
Open again
After being hit by fires and floods over the past two months, Jenolan Caves Road is back open.
The road's been closed since earlier this month when bushfires tore through the region, and a huge 300mm deluge of rain caused even further damage.
Thanks to crews who worked tirelessly to clear and repair the road, it's back open and ready for you!
