Algal Bloom Event Support Fund: Supporting Tourism and Community Recovery (Australia)

The South Australian Tourism Commission’s Algal Bloom Event Support Fund provides grants of up to $20,000 to support established events in coastal and metropolitan areas affected by South Australia’s algal bloom crisis. With a total funding pool of $750,000, the fund aims to stimulate visitation, drive tourism recovery, and strengthen community resilience between December 2025 and March 2026.

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is inviting applications for the Algal Bloom Event Support Fund to support tourism recovery and community confidence in areas impacted by South Australia’s algal bloom crisis.

The fund supports existing events that can attract visitors, boost local economies, and reconnect communities during the recovery period.

Purpose of the Algal Bloom Event Support Fund

The Algal Bloom Event Support Fund is designed to help regions recover from the economic and social impacts of algal bloom events.

It focuses on leveraging established events as drivers of visitation, local spending, and positive community engagement.

Key objectives of the fund include:

• Stimulating tourism and visitor spend

• Supporting economic recovery in affected areas

• Strengthening community connection and resilience

• Restoring confidence in impacted coastal and metropolitan destinations

Total Funding Available

The fund has a total allocation of $750,000, distributed across metropolitan and regional grant areas.

Grant Amounts

• Maximum grant per event: up to $20,000

• Metropolitan events funding pool: $250,000

• Regional events funding pool: $500,000

All grant amounts are exclusive of GST, where applicable.

Funding is competitive and subject to assessment against program objectives.

Eligible Events

Only established events are eligible for funding under this program.

Event Eligibility Criteria

Eligible events must:

• Be existing, previously delivered events

• Take place in impacted South Australian coastal or metropolitan areas

• Be held between 1 December 2025 and 31 March 2026

• Demonstrate capacity to stimulate visitation and economic activity

• Contribute to community confidence and engagement during recovery

New or untested events are not supported under this fund.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applications are open to organisations that can demonstrate the capacity to professionally deliver an event.

Eligible Applicant Organisations

Applicants must:

• Be a legal entity able to enter into binding agreements

• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)

• Have an Australian bank account

• Possess all required approvals, licences, and accreditations for event delivery

• Hold a minimum of $20 million in public liability insurance

• Hold any additional insurance reasonably required for the proposed activities

Event organisers must also show either:

• Prior experience delivering events, or

• Engagement of individuals or contractors with demonstrated event management experience

What the Funding Can Be Used For

Funding must support activities that enhance the event’s ability to attract visitors and support recovery.

Eligible uses may include:

• Marketing and promotional activities

• Audience development initiatives

• Enhanced or expanded event programming

• Activities that increase visitation and length of stay

• Initiatives that build regional confidence and positive destination perception

All funded activities must clearly align with the fund’s recovery and tourism objectives.

Why This Fund Matters

Algal bloom events can significantly disrupt tourism-dependent communities, particularly in coastal regions.

This fund provides targeted support to help communities rebound by leveraging events that already have proven audiences and operational capacity.

The program helps:

• Reignite visitor interest in affected destinations

• Support local businesses through increased event-driven spending

• Reinforce community pride and social connection

• Accelerate recovery through visible, confidence-building activities

How the Application Process Works

1. Eligible organisations identify an existing event impacted by algal bloom conditions.

2. Applicants develop a proposal outlining how funding will enhance visitation, marketing, or programming.

3. Applications are assessed against eligibility requirements and recovery objectives.

4. Successful applicants receive grant funding to deliver approved activities within the eligible period.

Applicants should ensure their proposals clearly demonstrate tourism impact and delivery capability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with a new or first-time event

• Failing to demonstrate prior event management experience

• Requesting funding outside the eligible event dates

• Not holding sufficient public liability insurance

• Submitting proposals that lack a clear link to tourism recovery or visitation

Strong applications clearly connect event activities to measurable tourism and community outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum grant amount per event?

Eligible events can receive up to $20,000 per event.

How much total funding is available?

The total funding pool is $750,000, with separate allocations for metropolitan and regional events.

Are new events eligible for funding?

No. Only established, previously delivered events are eligible.

What event dates are eligible?

Events must take place between 1 December 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Do applicants need insurance coverage?

Yes. Applicants must hold at least $20 million in public liability insurance and any other required coverage.

Can individuals apply for this fund?

No. Applicants must be legal entities capable of entering binding agreements and holding an ABN.

Is GST included in the grant amounts?

No. All funding amounts are exclusive of GST, where applicable.

Conclusion

The Algal Bloom Event Support Fund provides critical support for established events in South Australia’s algal bloom-affected regions, offering grants of up to $20,000 to drive tourism recovery and community resilience.

By strengthening marketing, programming, and visitor engagement, the fund helps affected destinations rebuild confidence and economic activity during the recovery period.

For experienced event organisers delivering proven events, this funding represents a valuable opportunity to contribute to regional recovery while sustaining South Australia’s vibrant events sector.