The Program provides funding of up to $5,000 for events that attract, or have the potential to attract a significant number of visitors to the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

Funding is available to help locally grown events get off the ground, assist event organisers to develop their brand, promote their event outside the region, and sustain their events longer-term.

Eligible events must be held between January-June 2021.

Council Group Manager Liesa Davies said it has been a difficult period for the events industry, but we want to continue to support them, as they are important for our local economy, add vibrancy to our community, and attract visitors from outside our region.

"They also provide opportunities for our community to enjoy something different, something new and contribute to our active and engaged community."

Jenny Pursehouse from the Motorcycle Friendly Town Committee said that the grant they received in 2019/2020 has greatly assisted in their preparation for MotoFest Wauchope 2020 due to take place in September, subject to COVID restrictions.

"After applying for the first time this year, the MotoFest Wauchope team were thrilled to be recipients of the grant funding from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council," said Ms Pursehouse.

"Our event is now in its fourth year and has been growing steadily in numbers. Now, thanks to this grant we’re able to have a professional website set up and increase our radio and print advertising outside of the local region.

"This will ensure an increase in participation from people outside of our local area and ensure the ongoing success and growth of this event. It will also provide a great injection of visitors to the Port Macquarie-Hastings area," added Ms Pursehouse.

Juliane Wisata from the Fox Superflow mountain bike event (See Video) said their business has been active in the cycling industry and organising mountain biking events for over a decade.

"For us, the close cooperation with local Council and tourism organisations is a vital and enriching part of our event planning and delivery process," said Ms Wisata.

"We received support through the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s grants for events we hosted at the Jolly Nose mountain bike park in Bonny Hills in 2019 and 2020, and have been overwhelmed by the positive attitude by the staff involved in the process.

"With an active local cycling community, we received great support and input throughout the application and event planning processes, which contributed to the successful delivery of our event," Ms Wisata explained.

"There were so many tourism marketing resources that we were able to utilise which had a positive influence on our marketing and communications."

Other past recipients include the Port Macquarie Running Festival, Slice of Haven, Wauchope Twilight Tastings and the Elephant Trail Race.

"We have a very strong events calendar, and are really looking forward to a broad range of submissions that can add to our region’s standing as an event destination of choice," added Ms Davies.

Applications for funding are open from Monday 20 July until Sunday 23 August 2020. Both ‘for profit’ and ‘not for profit’ events are welcome to apply.

For more information, and to apply visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/event-sponsorship or call Council on 6581 8111.

Video | Previous Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s grant recipients Fox Superflow in Action at Jolly Nose MTB Park Port Macquarie 2019.