The Regional Events Fund (REF) has been established to attract and support events held in regional Victoria, that bring visitors from outside the region, create job opportunities and contribute to the local visitor economy.

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

• increasing economic benefits by driving visitation from outside the region, and the State, and extending length of stay and yield;
• showcasing Victoria's key regional tourism attributes and build Victoria's reputation as an events destination;
• delivering strong benefits to the host region's community;
• and developing a sustainable calendar of regional events.

Event Growth and Development (EGD) Up to $500,000

• Events that can demonstrate plans to achieve economic impact
• Existing events that have demonstrated economic impact growth
• Existing events that have demonstrated innovation in delivery and/or content
• Medium to large scale events
• Capacity to attract intrastate and interstate visitation
• Events of national, state or regional significance.

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