Tasmanian Government helps fund return of events in 2021

As Tasmania recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, the Government’s T21 Visitor Economy Action Plan is aimed at rebuilding visitation and returning their home-grown events. 

The Tasmanian Government grant program assists event organisers to identify and implement COVID-19Safe practices and has already supported a number of events with their safety planning.

Tasmanian Minister Small Business, Hospitality and Events, Sarah Courtney advises “Tasmania is recognised nationally and internationally for delivering a range of vibrant and bespoke events, reinforcing our strong brand and providing significant economic and social benefits to our State.

“The Ultimate Showdown to be hosted on Saturday night at Carrick Speedway is an example of what can be achieved through the organisers working with Government to ensure the event can be delivered in a COVIDSafe way.”

The Ultimate Showdown has been given approval to go ahead under the Tasmanian Government’s Framework for COVID-19Safe Events with organisers submitting a COVID safety plan for a level 3 event that details their approach to managing an event in a safe environment.

Carrick Speedway received a $5,000 Event Ready Grant to help meet the additional expenses associated with developing their COVID-19 safety plans and managing COVIDSafe events.

The Tasmanian Government set up the Framework for COVID-19Safe Events and Activities in Tasmania, to support event organisers to plan for larger events while ensuring the safety of the community remains paramount.

The purpose of this Framework is to outline the thresholds, principles and requirements to assist event organisers identify and manage the risk of COVID-19 for a range of event and activity types in a diverse range of settings.

The Framework establishes three levels of events and the assessment that is required before they can proceed. This means events are being delivered in a different way than they were prior to the impacts of COVID-19 to ensure compliance with all the COVID-19 safety measures.

Minister Courtney notes “we all have a responsibility to keep on top of COVID-19, and the way Tasmania’s event organisers have embraced the Framework is a promising sign as we look to host more events.

“Tasmanians love their events, whether it’s a local footy game, motorsport, theatre production or favourite food and wine festival, and as we continue the commencement of larger scale events I encourage Tasmanians to keep showing their support, be responsible and to follow COVIDSafe behaviours to keep doing the things we love.

“I’d like to thank the organisers around Tasmania who have worked very hard to adjust to the changes by bringing forward a raft of innovative ideas to ensure Tasmanians can once again attend the events they enjoy.”

Minister Courtney notes “of the 41 events already submitted, I’m pleased to announce 28 have been approved with further assessments underway.”

Among those applications approved so far are:

· Botanical Gardens Concert Series

· Wellness Expo

· Street Eats

· Devonport Cup

· Latrobe, Carrick and Hobart Speedways

· Rowing Tasmania’s Regattas

· BBL10

· Hobart Regatta

Event organisers can continue to register their events and submit their COVID-19 Safety Plan through the Business Tasmania website.

For more information please visit www.business.tas.gov.au/eventsframework

Image top: Courtesy of Carrick Speedway  Image above: Courtesy 2021 Wellness Expo.