Regional events continue to attract state government support in South Australia

Applications are now open for South Australia's Regional Event Fund. Managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission, the Fund encourages the development of new and innovative regional events across the state and aims to grow existing events, while driving visitation and boosting the regional economy.

The popular Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival, a regional event celebrating 141 years in 2024 is one of 33 regional events supported by the State Government through the Regional Event Fund.

A crowd favourite, it attracts over 3,000 attendees and pumps valuable dollars into the local economy as eventgoers flock to the region and spend with accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes, local shops and more.

Greg Miller, Secretary/Treasurer, Kangaroo Island Racing Club shared “The Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival has become one of South Australia’s iconic racing carnivals, attracting thousands of visitors.

“The support we receive from the South Australian Tourism Commission assists us to stage a first-class country racing experience.

“The track is looking spectacular this year and punters can expect two fantastic days of racing boasting record prize money, record nominations and the State’s leading jockeys. The Long Lunch Marquee with 400 patrons and 26 private marquees have proved popular, having sold out in November.

“With the support of the Regional Event Fund, we are able to put on the biggest single first-class event held on the Island each year attracting visitors from as far as the Pilbara in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and down through Victoria and up as high as far north Queensland.”

Other events supported include Winter Reds in the Adelaide Hills, Riverland Rose and Garden Festival, Clare Valley Gourmet Week, SALT Festival in the Eyre Peninsula, Beachport Crayfish Festival in the Limestone Coast, and many more.

SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison notes “Regional events provide a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore South Australia.

“Not only are they an important driver of visitation, but they help celebrate the vibrancy and creativity of our state and contribute to the social fabric of regional communities.

“I encourage event organisers to consider an application to the Regional Event Fund to help grow their event and bring visitors to regions. This is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our state’s wonderful annual regional event calendar.”

The Regional Event Fund is now open for applications until 5pm on Monday 6th May. The 2024-25 Fund will support events that are staged between 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025.

Funding is offered across two event categories: Established Event Funding and Development Event Funding. Event organisers can apply for up to three years’ funding, to the value of $50,000 per year for an Established Event, and up to $20,000 per year for a Development Event.

For funding guidelines and to apply visit www.tourism.sa.gov.au/events/event-funding

Image. The Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival