Event Funding Program for Community and Tourism Events (Australia)

The Alpine Shire Council has opened applications for the 2026–27 Event Funding Program to support community and tourism events across the Alpine Shire. The program aims to strengthen local communities, increase visitation, and stimulate economic activity through well-planned events.

It supports events held in areas including Dinner Plain and other Alpine Shire townships, with applications submitted online through SmartyGrants.

Program Overview

The funding program is designed to support the development and delivery of events that contribute to:

• Community strengthening and participation
• Regional tourism growth and increased visitation
• Local economic development and business stimulation
• Promotion of Alpine Shire as a destination for tourism and investment
• Cultural identity and community pride
• Environmental sustainability and responsible event practices
• Social connection and community wellbeing
• Creation of diverse and vibrant visitor experiences

The program aligns with the Alpine Shire Events Strategy (2021), which guides long-term planning for a sustainable and balanced events sector.

Objectives of the Program

The key objectives include:

• Supporting establishment and growth of community and tourism events
• Increasing regional, national, and international visitation
• Strengthening community engagement and participation
• Enhancing cultural, environmental, and social outcomes
• Stimulating the local economy through event-driven activity
• Building sustainable and resilient event ecosystems

Funding Tiers

The program offers tiered funding based on event size and impact:

Tier 1 (Large-scale events)

• Supports state or national significance tourism events
• Funding up to AUD 10,000
• Funding available for up to 3 years

Tier 2 (Medium to large events)

• Supports regional tourism and community events
• Funding up to AUD 5,000

Tier 3 (Small-scale events)

• Supports local community and special interest events
• Funding up to AUD 2,000

Small Community Event Stream

• Focuses on building community resilience and local connection
• Supports smaller grassroots initiatives

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
• Incorporated associations and community groups
• Unincorporated organisations supported by an incorporated auspice body

Ineligible applicants include:

• Individuals
• Government agencies
• Political organisations
• Religious organisations

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants
• Applicants must outline event purpose, impact, and community benefit
• Funding requests must align with program tiers and eligibility rules
• Events must be planned for delivery within the 2026–27 financial year

Alignment with Alpine Shire Events Strategy

The program is guided by the Alpine Shire Events Strategy (2021), which focuses on:

• Sustainable event development
• Economic and tourism growth
• Community wellbeing and participation
• Environmental responsibility
• Cultural enrichment and identity building
• Long-term regional event planning

Why the Program Matters

• Strengthens local community cohesion and engagement
• Drives tourism and regional economic activity
• Supports small and large event organisers
• Encourages sustainable and responsible event practices
• Enhances visibility of Alpine Shire as a tourism destination
• Builds long-term cultural and social value for residents

Conclusion

The Alpine Shire Council Event Funding Program 2026–27 provides structured financial support for community and tourism events that contribute to economic growth, cultural development, and social wellbeing. By offering tiered funding and aligning with a long-term events strategy, the program helps create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive events across the Alpine Shire region.