$150,000 in funding helps restart events industry

9 February 2021

Southern Downs Regional Council is backing the local events industry with over $150,000 in funding awarded to event organisers as part of the recently launched Local Events Funding Program (LEFP).

In a major boost to the industry, Council has approved 10 projects from across the region that will benefit from $151,907 in funding in Round One of the Program.

Southern Downs Regional Councillor Marco Gliori said Council had once again received applications for projects of a high standard.

“Council received a large number of applications which is encouraging as it speaks of the high level of business confidence in the region post the disruptive fire event late in 2019 as well as the added impact of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020.”

“This much needed funding will boost the high quality, innovative products, events and experiences as well as strengthen the Southern Downs and Granite Belt events calendar.”

Round One of LEFP opened on Monday 26 October 2020 and closed at midnight on Sunday 6 December 2020. Event organisers from across the region could apply for a share of $190,000.

The Local Events Funding Program (LEFP) is a temporary funding program facilitated by Southern Downs Regional Council and is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments as a component of the 2019 Queensland Bushfires Community Recovery Package under Category C of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. 

Successful Round One LEFP grant recipients are:

Warwick Chamber of Commerce:
Opera Queensland at the Warwick Showgrounds “Are you Lonesome tonight” combining opera with country music using a cabaret style performance. $13,110.00

Granite Belt Wine Tourism:
Opera Queensland at Weeroona Park Stanthorpe “Are you Lonesome tonight” combining opera with country music using a cabaret style performance. $16,991.70

Granite Belt Weddings & Events:
A business and feasibility strategy for Berries, Brews and the Aussie BBQ, which will be a one day annual festival enjoying an abundance of fresh berries, cooking the famous Australian BBQ, whilst washing it down with ice cold brew. $12,000.00.

Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail Inc:
Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail is a self-drive arts trail where visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the abundance of natural beauty, culture, history and gourmet offerings. $30,000.00.

Granite Belt Wines Pty Ltd:
Uke and Folk at the Winery which will include workshops, open mic, entertainment and of course good food and wine. $12,325.00.

Jumpers and Jazz in July Inc:
Strategic 5 year plan to ensure the longevity and sustainability of this much loved event. $14,850.00

Granite Belt Weddings & Events:
Granite Belt Wedding Trail designed to attract and embrace the appeal of the region targeting destination weddings. $8,080.00

Granite Belt Wine and Tourism:
Grapes of Mirth is a new festival featuring five comedy sets and some tunes set at Ballandean Estate Wines. $17,230.00

The Warwick Caledonian Society:
The Warwick Caledonian Society commemorates its 150th anniversary which makes the Society the oldest continuously operating Caledonian Society in the Southern Hemisphere – a momentous milestone well worth celebrating. 150th Scottish Celebration and Pipe Band Muster. $16,471.00.

Stanthorpe Festival Association Inc:
The Apple & Grape Festival is hosting The National busking Championships in conjunction with “Tastes of the Granite Belt” lunch. $10,849.60.

The next funding round opens on March 1 and closes on 25 April 2021 and will include the unallocated balance from Round One creating a funding pool of $230,000.  Funding is available for projects or activities taking place between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.

Please visit the Council website to view the program criteria, guidelines and application process at https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/doing-business/grants-to-community-radf/local-events-funding-program.

In addition you can also subscribe to BizConnect eNewsletter and receive fortnightly updates on Southern Downs business news, support programs, events and more. https://investsoutherndowns.com.au/bizconnect/