State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the government is making sure more regional communities like Benalla can attract, stage and deliver sporting, cultural and entertainment events on their doorstop, with new grants set to attract thousands of visitors, create more jobs and back local businesses across the state.
The funding for the Benalla Street Art Festival is from the latest round of the government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund, however the total amount is yet to be confirmed.
“I’m proud to be backing Benalla Street Art Festival, it’s a wonderful event that I look forward to every year,” Ms Symes said.
“Regional events bring visitors, boost jobs, and support local businesses throughout northern Vic, strengthening our state as Australia’s events capital.
“We know the value of regional events just like the Benalla Street Art Festival to local communities and the people who work across our tourism, events, and hospitality businesses in Benalla and the wider community.”
Grants of up to $500,000 will be open to organisers of festivals, sports events, exhibitions and more to attract and grow events of international or national significance while grants of up to $50,000 will be available for marketing and support of events that attract intrastate and interstate visitors.
The Regional Events Fund provides strong economic benefit by attracting more people to visit the regions, expanding the length of time visitors stay in the area, and increasing the amount of money spent in local communities.
Applications for the Regional Events Fund, delivered by Visit Victoria, will open next week at corporate.visitvictoria.com/events/regional-events/