From music festivals to creative celebrations – event organisers can apply for funding in the latest round of the Surf Coast Events Grant Program.
The program will invite applications between 1 March and 31 March, for Tourism Event grants and Boutique Creative/Special Focus Event grants.
Council decided to make the overall event grants process easier for applicants with new guidelines that have been split into two categories: Major and Special Event, and Community Event.
Councillor Phoebe Crockett encouraged event organisers to check the new guidelines to determine whether they’re eligible to apply for a grant.
“The Surf Coast is one of Australia’s top events destinations,” she said. “Each year we host more than 200 events that deliver incredible benefits including bringing people together and showcasing our stunning natural environment.”
The upcoming round of grants will allocate funding to events held between 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, in the off-peak visitor season.
“All events play a valuable role in supporting our local communities; however the grants focus on events held outside of that busy summer period and the Easter long weekend,” Cr Crockett said.
“They attract visitors to the Surf Coast and generate overnight stays in a traditionally quieter period, aligning with our goal that tourism supports local communities and delivers more consistent economic and social benefits year-round.”
The new Surf Coast Events Grant Program guidelines were adopted at the February Council meeting.“Thanks to the event organisers who passed on feedback to help us refresh the guidelines and make the process smoother,” Cr Crockett said.
“I’m sure the introduction of multi-year funding options for eligible events and simplifying how community event organisers apply for funding will be welcome additions.”
The Community Event grants will have two rounds:
– Apply from 1 to 30 April 2026, for events held between 1 July 2026 and 24 December 2026.
– Apply from 1 to 31 October 2026, for events held between 1 February 2027 and 30 June 2027.
To learn more about the grants program and to apply, visit surfcoastevents.com.au.