A new events funding model has been announced by Tourism and Events NT (TENT) with the launch of the Territory Events Program (TEP), previously known as the Event Funding Program.
The new program will continue to support events that grow tourism, strengthen communities and deliver economic benefits across the Northern Territory. It will also provide greater certainty for organisers through a single annual funding round, helping build a strong, year‑round calendar of events that showcase what makes the Territory unique and strengthen community pride.
The Program introduces four clear funding streams to better support the diversity of events across the Territory:
· Major Events - nationally and internationally significant events that drive visitation and profile for the NT.
· Tourism Enablers - events that grow visitation, increase visitor spend and encourage travel during shoulder and off‑peak periods.
· Community and Lifestyle - events that strengthen community participation, identity and liveability.
· Activation Fund - supports fan zones, live sites, precinct activations, place making initiatives and visitor‑welcome experiences.
Tourism and Events NT will deliver more information sessions this year, in more locations than ever before, giving organisers greater opportunity to meet with the team and ask questions directly. A second virtual session is also being introduced, allowing organisers to reconnect after they've had time to review the guidelines and begin their application.
Under the new model, funding decisions will be made earlier, giving organisers more time for planning, sponsorship, logistics and event delivery. Applications for the 2026-27 Territory Events Program will open 3 September 2026 and close on 9 October 2026.
For updates, information session times, eligibility, or to subscribe to TEP notifications, visit: Tourism and Events Territory Events Program here
Quotes attributable to Executive Director of Events Tourism and Events NT, Aimee Luxton:
"Events are how the Territory shows the rest of Australia, and the world, who we are. Moving to a single annual funding round gives organisers more certainty and more time to plan, while enabling a broader Territory‑wide perspective on the calendar.
"This new approach ensures we're supporting the right mix of community festivals and major events that grow visitation, strengthen our lifestyle and deliver real economic benefits for Territorians."
