The Orange Winter Fire Festival kicks off this Friday and will run until 14 August, co-hosted by Orange, Blayney and Cabonne councils and Orange360.
The festival is bigger and brighter this year, with Orange City Council hosting a range of free family-fun activities in Robertson Park from 6-14 August, after receiving more than $285,000 from the NSW Government's Reconnecting Regional NSW - Community Events Program.
Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway says the program supports the economic and social recovery of regional NSW by funding local community events.
"Our Government is rolling out a number of initiatives to help families with the rising cost of living and keep them connected to their community," Mr Farraway said.
HEATING UP: Orange Mayor Jason Hamling and Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway are looking forward to the events in Robertson Park as part of the Orange Winter Fire Festival.
"That's why we're providing Orange City Council with funding that will go towards hosting free events in Robertson Park for everyone to enjoy and to experience the very best of what our region has to offer.
"From our Dine and Discover vouchers to the Community Events Program we are making entertainment affordable for families so they remain involved and part of the community.
"The Festival will include a nine-day program of live performances and experiences at the Robertson Park with additional events held in Orange, Cabonne and Blayney shires.
"The past two years have been tough on many people, including small business, and our local tourism and hospitality sector.
"That's why I'm encouraging people of all ages from across the Central West to come to the show and tuck into the great local produce, taste our fantastic wine and support local artists."
The Council will use $220,000 of the funding for the Orange Winter Fire Festival In the Park, with the rest going towards a New Year's Eve event.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Community Events Program will support the state's events and hospitality sectors while bolstering economic recovery.
"The past two years have been difficult, with many unpredictable events including floods, drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, but we know NSW residents will come out the other side stronger and more resilient," Mr Toole said.
"People have been disconnected from family and friends but now they're getting out and about again, we want to see communities thriving and businesses benefitting from more local activities, events and opportunities in the regions.
"The NSW Nationals in Government are backing events that bring local communities together and this funding will help contribute to a sense of improved wellbeing and connectedness in 2022 and beyond."
The $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package, designed to support economic and social recovery across regional NSW that will create new jobs and support community events, shows and festivals to boost tourism.
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