The NSW Government is investing in grassroots events across regional NSW, with more than $1.3 million to be injected into local communities through the 2026/27 Regional Event Fund.
From food and wine festivals to cultural celebrations and sporting events, the Fund will support 56 events as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthening communities and boosting local visitor economies.
Through Destination NSW, grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to support marketing, PR, infrastructure and equipment hire, helping event organisers enhance visitor experiences, increase overnight stays and drive spending in regional areas.
The announcement of the successful recipients follows the release of new Tourism Research Australia data showing regional NSW remains Australia’s leading regional visitor destination.
In the year ended March 2026, regional NSW welcomed more than 64 million international and domestic visitors, who injected more than $27 billion into the NSW visitor economy. Regional NSW also led both regional Victoria and regional Queensland on total visits and total nights stayed.
During the period, 61.9% of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035’s expenditure target of $44 billion for regional NSW was achieved. The Strategy, launched last year, aims to drive sustainable growth across the state’s visitor economy, with initiatives such as the Regional Event Fund helping to accelerate progress towards its 2035 targets.
Since its inception in 1996, the Regional Event Fund has supported more than 650 events with more than $17 million in funding, helping to turn events like the Deni Ute Muster and the Parkes Elvis Festival into bucket list regional experiences.
Some of this year’s successful recipients include:
- Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Festival + Pre Festival Dinner “Beyond the Pour” – the event brings together people, flavour, entertainment and unforgettable moments, creating experiences that celebrate place, people and producers in the Local Wine Country Region.
- Seven Valleys Wild Food Festival – a celebration of local food, creativity and community in Lithgow.
- Casino Truck Show – held in the heart of the Casino CBD, the event is one of Australia’s standout transport events, celebrating the industry’s best equipment, innovation and people.
- Newcastle Food Month – with more than 70 events held in Newcastle over a month, this event is Australia’s most expansive food festival.
For the full list of the 2026/27 recipients, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/regional-event-fund-2026-27
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper said:
“Regional events encourage visitors to travel further, stay longer and discover new destinations, making them an important driver of the NSW visitor economy.
“The NSW Government has set an ambitious target of achieving $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035, and the Regional Event Fund is helping to unlock that growth by supporting the events and experiences that attract visitors to communities across the state.
“I congratulate all 56 recipients and thank them for their passion and dedication to delivering events that showcase the best of NSW and create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.”
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“It’s wonderful to see the Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Festival receive funding to support this much-loved local event.
“The festival brings together local producers, quality food and beverages, live entertainment and visitors from across the region, highlighting the very best of the Hunter and showcasing everything that makes the Hunter such a special destination.”