Northern Territory secures more funding to support events

The Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) has just opened its latest round of Event Funding to fund exciting new events while helping some of those that already exist develop further.

NTMEC typically offers two rounds of funding per year. Two new categories were added to the program in August this year and are on offer again this round – Mass Participation Event and Major Event. The Event Development and Community Event categories also return.

There were 25 successful submissions in the August round, including five Mass Participation Events which means events that attract more than 300 visitors who will stay in paid accommodation for at least three nights.

Other successful submissions included four Major Event applications, four Event Development applications and 12 Community Event applications. Events ranged from sporting championships and cultural festivals to children’s events and music festivals.

Independent research has shown just seven NTMEC-supported events delivered an economic benefit of $8.4 million in the 2020-2021 financial year.

Northern Territory Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles advises “research has shown time and again that events bring great economic benefit to the Territory. They also provide development opportunities for Territorians, and support jobs across a range of industries, not just the events sector.

“Events enhance the liveability of the Territory, and put the Territory on the national stage, which helps encourage visitors to choose the NT when deciding where to spend their travel dollars.

“The return on investment for events is clear. The 2020-2021 round of Event Funding saw $660,000 shared between 29 events. To put that in perspective, just seven of those events delivered a gross expenditure stimulus of $12.6 million, and $8.4 million of that money would not have entered our economy if those events had not happened.” 

In order to be eligible for event funding you must comply with the latest Chief Health Officer COVID-19 directions as they apply to festivals and events, including the mandatory vaccination of all workers. To find out the latest directions, visit www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au.

To apply for Event Funding, visit ntmajorevents.com.au/funding-resources/funding-program.

Image courtesy Northern Territory Major Events Company