RFAs: Signature Events Attraction and Retention Fund (Australia)

The Signature Events Attraction and Retention Fund supports large-scale, professionally delivered events that strengthen the identity of Redlands Coast, attract visitors, and create long-term economic and community benefits. The program provides financial assistance, cultural inclusion support, and in-kind assistance to eligible organisations delivering established events within Redland City.

The fund is part of the Events on Redlands Coast Program and aims to support events that contribute to community pride, tourism growth, cultural engagement, and regional development.

About the Signature Events Attraction and Retention Fund

The Signature Events Attraction and Retention Fund is designed to help major events continue growing while delivering measurable benefits for the Redland City community.

The program supports events that:

• Showcase the unique identity and character of Redlands Coast.
• Encourage community participation and engagement.
• Attract visitors from outside the region.
• Generate economic benefits for local businesses and communities.
• Promote cultural diversity and inclusive experiences.
• Strengthen the region’s reputation as an events destination.

Supported events should demonstrate professional event management, strong community value, and the ability to provide ongoing benefits beyond a single event experience.

Why This Funding Matters

Large-scale community events play an important role in strengthening local economies and improving social connections.

The fund helps event organisers:

• Expand established events.
• Improve event quality and visitor experiences.
• Increase regional tourism opportunities.
• Celebrate local culture and heritage.
• Create inclusive spaces for community participation.
• Support local businesses through increased visitor activity.

By investing in signature events, Redland City Council aims to build a vibrant events calendar that benefits residents, visitors, and the wider regional economy.

Funding Available

Eligible applicants can receive financial support of:

• Up to $60,000 per financial year.
• Funding support available for one to three years, depending on event requirements.

Applicants can select the funding period that best matches their event development plans.

Additional cultural support is available through:

• Up to $1,500 in Quandamooka Cultural Awareness Funding.
• Support can be used for cultural inclusion activities such as:
  • Cultural performances.
  • Traditional demonstrations.
  • Smoking ceremonies.

Applicants requesting Quandamooka Cultural Awareness Funding must provide a quote from a Quandamooka organisation.

Additional In-Kind Support Available

Apart from financial assistance, eligible events may receive council support through in-kind contributions.

Possible support includes:

• Venue hire fee waivers.
• Temporary entertainment event permit fee waivers.
• Traffic control permit fee waivers.
• Marketing and promotional assistance.

The level of in-kind support depends on Council assessment and will be outlined in the funding agreement if approved.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit incorporated organisations.
• Entities registered under an Act of Parliament.
• For-profit businesses.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Be financially viable.
• Maintain $20 million Public Liability Insurance.
• Have a bank account registered in the legal entity’s name.
• Deliver the funded event within Redland City.
• Have successfully delivered the event for at least two years.

Eligible Events and Activities

The fund supports established major events that provide community and economic benefits.

Examples may include:

• Cultural festivals.
• Community celebrations.
• Tourism-focused events.
• Large public gatherings.
• Events promoting local identity and heritage.
• Professional events attracting visitors to Redlands Coast.

Events should demonstrate:

• Strong attendance potential.
• Community engagement.
• Economic impact.
• Professional planning and delivery.
• Long-term sustainability.

How the Funding Works

Applicants should prepare a proposal that explains:

1. Event Overview
   • Event history.
   • Purpose and objectives.
   • Target audience.
2. Community and Economic Benefits
   • Expected visitor numbers.
   • Local economic impact.
   • Community participation outcomes.
3. Event Delivery Plan
   • Event schedule.
   • Operational arrangements.
   • Safety and risk management plans.
4. Budget Information
   • Total event costs.
   • Funding requested.
   • Other financial contributions.
5. Cultural Inclusion Plans
   • Details of any Quandamooka cultural activities.
   • Supporting quotes where required.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide information demonstrating:

• The event’s success and history.
• Professional event management capability.
• Financial sustainability.
• Community benefits.
• Visitor attraction potential.
• Alignment with Redland City priorities.

Applicants should ensure all required documents are submitted before applying.

Important Eligibility Conditions

Applicants should note:

• Only one successful application for the same event is permitted within a 12-month period.
• Previous funding must be successfully acquitted before submitting a new application.
• Multi-year funded events cannot apply for additional funding until the complete funding period has been acquitted.
• Events must take place within Redland City.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Requesting funding without clearly explaining community benefits.
• Failing to provide evidence of previous event success.
• Applying before completing previous funding acquittals.
• Not including required insurance or financial information.
• Requesting support for events that do not demonstrate regional impact.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve the quality of an application:

• Clearly explain how the event benefits Redland City.
• Include measurable outcomes such as visitor numbers and community participation.
• Demonstrate professional event planning.
• Highlight cultural inclusion and accessibility.
• Provide realistic budgets and funding requirements.
• Explain how the event will continue creating value over multiple years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Signature Events Attraction and Retention Fund?
The fund provides financial and practical support for major events that strengthen Redlands Coast’s identity, attract visitors, and create community and economic benefits.

How much funding can applicants receive?
Eligible applicants can receive up to $60,000 per financial year for up to three years.

Can businesses apply for this funding?
Yes. For-profit businesses are eligible if they meet all program requirements.

Where must funded events take place?
Funded events must be delivered within Redland City.

Can applicants receive cultural inclusion funding?
Yes. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $1,500 in Quandamooka Cultural Awareness Funding for approved cultural activities.

Can new events apply for this fund?
The program focuses on established signature events that have been successfully conducted for at least two years.

Can organisations apply again if they previously received funding?
Yes, but previous funding must be fully acquitted before submitting a new application.

Conclusion

The Signature Events Attraction and Retention Fund provides an opportunity for organisations and businesses to strengthen major events across Redland City. By supporting professionally managed events, cultural inclusion, tourism growth, and community participation, the program helps build a stronger and more connected Redlands Coast.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that demonstrate clear community value, economic impact, and long-term benefits for the region.