The $20 million Regional Events Fund supports events held in regional Victoria, showcasing our regional tourism strengths and building Victoria's reputation as an events destination.

The REF supports the attraction, development, marketing and growth of events in regional Victoria with the aim of:

• increase economic benefits by driving visitation from outside of the region and the State and extending length of stay and yield;
• showcase Victoria’s key regional tourism strengths and build Victoria’s reputation as an events destination; and
• delivering strong benefits to the host region’s community; and
• develop a sustainable calendar of regional events.

The REF is available through three funding streams:

• Regional Event Acquisition (REA) - Stream One
• Event Growth and Development (EGD) - Stream Two 
• Event Industry Support (EIS)

Stream 3 - Event Industry Support (EIS) - Up to $50,000

Events that:

• have the capacity to attract intrastate and interstate visitation
• are of state or regional significance
• rebuild tourism in regions impacted by natural disasters or designated areas of priority
• Investment will generate an audience commensurate with funding request

Stream 3 funding is opened monthly each year, with the exclusion of December and January, through to June 30, 2027.

Eligibility 

Eligible Applicants Applications will be considered from:

• Private sector organisations (where projects will deliver a clear public benefit);
• Victorian Local Government Authorities;
• Regional Tourism Boards (RTB); or
• Not for profit organisations, including sporting, cultural and community groups that are an incorporated body, cooperative or association.
• Joint proponents/consortia applications (identifying the consortia lead agency for funding).

Funded organisations must:

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN); and
• have a minimum of $20 million public liability insurance and other relevant insurance cover.

Ineligible events

The REF will not allocate funding to support:

• Community events; 
• Agricultural/country shows/farmers markets; 
• Charity fundraising events; 
• Regional racing carnivals; 
• Business events and conferences, including trade/exhibitor shows; 
• Events with religious ceremony or celebration as the principal focus such as Easter or Christmas celebrations; and 
• Community public holiday celebrations.

• Email: events@visitvictoria.com.au