As COVID-19 restrictions ease and life begins to return to a semblance of normal, Orange City Council is asking community groups to put their hands up for some funding if they want help to get their event off the ground.
Funding is available for eligible face to face events but also can be available for online events.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said COVID-19 restrictions had forced event organisers to get creative with hosting but was impressed by what had been on offer in the central west recently.
"It's been really tough for many people in the community, including charities who rely on events to help raise the funds needed to support vulnerable people and medical research," Cr Kidd said.
"It's been really hard for businesses, which host events, and they've lost out on those bookings. But things are starting to turn around.
"We've seen socially distanced events go really well and of course online events and zoom functions are still occurring with increasing popularity."
Council is seeking applications from event organisers for funding for events to be held in January to March 2021.
Applications open October 1 and close November 15 2020.
There is a total of $200,000 available and the funding range is $1,000 to $10,000. Funding can be allocated to almost any event expense.
As part of the application process, there is a focus on identifying the local benefit the event or project will bring to the Orange community.
In some of the application forms, there is also a section for applicants to identify which local businesses they will use - so Council can try to track the broader benefit and impact of this program.
"Being able to support local community groups is one of the best parts of being on council and I strongly encourage every one of Orange's community organisations to put their hand up," Cr Kidd said.
Examples of previous grants include placing advertising banners in the main street at no cost to the organiser, event sponsorship and competition prize giving.
"If you've never applied for funding before and don't know where to start then give Council a call and our events staff will help you out," Cr Kidd said.
Information about which grants are available, how often applications are sought and how to apply can be found on Orange City Council's website.
Children lining up for the NAIDOC March
