Applications open for Regional Events Funding Scheme (Australia)

Deadline: 24-Jul-2026

The Regional Events Scheme (RES) provides grants of $5,000 to $40,000 to support small-scale and developing regional events across Western Australia. The program aims to increase regional tourism, stimulate local economies, promote Aboriginal cultural tourism, generate media exposure, and strengthen community wellbeing through high-quality regional events.

What Is the Regional Events Scheme (RES)?

The Regional Events Scheme (RES) is a funding program that supports regional events designed to attract visitors, increase tourism expenditure, and boost economic development across Western Australia.

The scheme encourages events that showcase regional destinations, celebrate local culture, and create lasting economic, social, and tourism benefits. Tourism Western Australia also places a strong emphasis on promoting Aboriginal cultural tourism through events that are led by and benefit Aboriginal communities.

Grant Objectives

The Regional Events Scheme aims to:

• Increase visitor numbers to regional Western Australia.
• Encourage tourism during off-peak and shoulder seasons.
• Support regional economic growth.
• Create local employment opportunities.
• Build event management skills and community capability.
• Increase media exposure for regional destinations.
• Promote inclusive and sustainable events.
• Strengthen community wellbeing and regional vibrancy.
• Support the growth of Aboriginal cultural tourism.

Funding Information

The total funding pool available is $1.4 million.

Applicants may request:

• Minimum grant: $5,000
• Maximum grant: $40,000 per event, per financial year

Eligible Costs

Funding may be used for project expenses such as:

Marketing and Promotion

• Paid advertising
• Marketing campaigns
• Media promotion
• Public relations activities

Entertainment

• Live music performances
• Cultural performances
• Guest performers
• Prestigious talent or headline acts

Arts and Cultural Activities

• Aboriginal cultural experiences
• Art exhibitions
• Cultural performances
• Interactive cultural activities

Community Engagement

• Workshops
• Educational activities
• Community participation programmes

Temporary Event Infrastructure

Examples include:

• Temporary staging
• Marquees
• Seating
• Event signage
• Temporary facilities

Event Operations

Funding may support:

• Traffic management
• Event licensing
• Event-specific staffing
• Safety management
• Operational logistics

Environmental Sustainability

Eligible costs include:

• Waste management
• Recycling services
• Environmental sustainability measures

Accessibility

Funding may be used for:

• Access improvements
• Inclusion initiatives
• Accessibility services for attendees

Aboriginal Regional Event Requirements

Events applying under the Aboriginal Regional Event Scheme (RAES) must meet additional requirements.

Eligible events must:

• Have more than 50% of the event programme made up of Aboriginal activities or cultural experiences.
• Demonstrate Aboriginal leadership in planning, coordination, and event delivery.
• Include Aboriginal participation through performers, food and beverage vendors, merchandise, or other cultural activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Tourism WA will enter into sponsorship agreements with the following applicants:

• Local Government Authorities
• Incorporated entities
• Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) companies
• Natural persons

Multi-Year Funding Eligibility

To qualify for multi-year funding, an event must:

• Have previously received single-year funding through the Regional Events Scheme.
• Have been funded within the last three funding rounds.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following events and applicants are not eligible for funding:

• Events held within the Perth metropolitan area.
• Events held outside Western Australia.
• Business events, including conferences, conventions, seminars, congresses, exhibitions, product launches, corporate retreats, trade shows, and training programmes.
• Tourism products such as accommodation, attractions, transport services, entertainment businesses, and visitor experiences.
• Events already receiving Tourism WA funding during the same funding period.
• Agricultural shows primarily focused on agriculture, machinery, trade, or livestock.
• Auspice arrangements where the contracted organization is not responsible for delivering the event.

Ineligible Costs

Funding cannot be used for:

• Permanent infrastructure or capital works.
• Ongoing organizational operating costs.
• Existing employee salaries and employment expenses.
• Insurance costs.
• Lease or rental payments.
• Uniforms.
• General administration expenses.
• Purchase of capital equipment such as computers, vehicles, or photocopiers.
• Venue hire for venues owned by the applicant.
• Prize money.
• Gifts.
• Expenses related to previous or future events outside the approved funding period.

Why This Grant Matters

Regional events play an important role in tourism development and local economic growth.

The Regional Events Scheme helps:

• Increase regional tourism.
• Generate visitor spending.
• Support local businesses.
• Create employment opportunities.
• Promote Aboriginal culture and heritage.
• Build stronger regional communities.
• Enhance Western Australia’s tourism reputation.
• Encourage sustainable and inclusive events.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your event is held in regional Western Australia.
2. Ensure your event aligns with the objectives of the Regional Events Scheme.
3. Determine the funding amount required between $5,000 and $40,000.
4. Prepare a detailed event plan, marketing strategy, timeline, and budget.
5. Include only eligible project costs.
6. If applying under the Aboriginal Regional Event Scheme, demonstrate compliance with Aboriginal participation requirements.
7. Gather all required supporting documents.
8. Submit the application before the closing date.
9. If approved, deliver the event and comply with all reporting and sponsorship requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying for events held in Perth or outside Western Australia.
• Including ineligible operational or capital expenses.
• Applying for business conferences or commercial tourism products.
• Requesting funding for permanent infrastructure.
• Failing to demonstrate visitor attraction and regional economic benefits.
• Submitting incomplete budgets or event plans.
• Applying through an ineligible auspice arrangement.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain how the event will attract visitors from outside the region.
• Demonstrate expected economic benefits for local businesses.
• Include a comprehensive marketing and media strategy.
• Show strong community involvement.
• Highlight Aboriginal cultural participation where applicable.
• Include realistic budgets and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability and event growth potential.

Key Definitions

Regional Event

An organized event held in regional Western Australia that attracts visitors and generates tourism, economic, and community benefits.

Aboriginal Cultural Tourism

Tourism experiences that showcase Aboriginal culture, traditions, heritage, art, food, storytelling, and cultural practices while delivering benefits to Aboriginal communities.

Shoulder Season

The period between peak and off-peak tourism seasons when visitor numbers are moderate and tourism growth is encouraged.

Temporary Event Infrastructure

Short-term facilities and structures installed specifically for an event, such as stages, marquees, fencing, seating, lighting, and signage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Regional Events Scheme?

The Regional Events Scheme provides funding to support regional events across Western Australia that increase tourism, stimulate local economies, and strengthen community wellbeing.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request between $5,000 and $40,000 per event, per financial year.

The total funding pool is $1.4 million.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Local Government Authorities, incorporated entities, Pty Ltd companies, and natural persons.

What expenses can be funded?

Funding may support marketing, live performances, cultural activities, workshops, temporary infrastructure, event staffing, traffic management, licensing, waste management, recycling, and accessibility measures.

What expenses are not eligible?

Funding cannot be used for permanent infrastructure, existing staff salaries, administration costs, capital equipment, insurance, venue hire for applicant-owned venues, prize money, gifts, or expenses outside the approved funding period.

What additional requirements apply to Aboriginal Regional Event Scheme applications?

Events must have more than 50% Aboriginal activities or experiences and demonstrate Aboriginal leadership and participation in planning and event delivery.

Why is this funding important?

The Regional Events Scheme helps regional communities attract visitors, increase tourism revenue, support local businesses, celebrate Aboriginal culture, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Western Australia’s regional economy.

Conclusion

The Regional Events Scheme provides grants of $5,000 to $40,000 to support regional events that drive tourism, economic development, and community wellbeing across Western Australia. By funding marketing, event operations, cultural activities, accessibility measures, and temporary infrastructure, the programme helps create high-quality events that attract visitors and deliver lasting regional benefits. Organizations with well-planned events, strong tourism outcomes, and measurable community impact will be well positioned to submit a competitive application.

For more information, visit Tourism WA.