- The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland's tourism industry with nearly $2 million invested to support 40 events across Queensland.
- Second round of revamped event fund expected to deliver more than $213 million in economic benefit and more than 887,000 visitor nights.
- The Destination 2045 strategy is securing Queensland as the events capital of the country after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland's tourism industry by locking in funding for 40 Queensland events, as part of its Destination 2045 plan to make Queensland the events capital of Australia.
Round 2 of the revamped $14 million Homegrown Destination Events Fund has awarded nearly $2 million shared across 40 events spanning 12 destinations between June 2026 and June 2027, and include:
- The Great Barrier Reef Festival
- Cloncurry Stockman's Challenge & Campdraft
- Hervey Bay Whale Festival
- Abbey Medieval Festival
- Birdsville Big Red Bash 2026
Grants of up to $300,000 over three years are available under this fund for event organisers looking to grow standout local events that promote Queensland as a must‑visit destination and drive the visitor economy. To support cultural tourism, grants of up to $40,000 are also open for events that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 strategy is supercharging Queensland's tourism industry with more homegrown events that deliver unforgettable experiences, after the tourism industry suffered during Labor's decade of decline.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the event funding reinforced the Crisafulli Government's commitment to make Queensland the events capital of Australia.
"The Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 plan is backing Queensland events that drive tourism, strengthen regional economies, and build confidence in our great state as a leading events destination.
"Events draw visitors into our regions, fill hotels, boost local businesses and showcase everything that makes Queensland an unbeatable place to visit.
"Through this latest round of the Homegrown program, we are delivering real economic and social benefits for communities right across the state."
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said Queensland's events portfolio continued to grow in strength and diversity.
"It's great to see the variety of new events along with the return of some much-loved favourites in this latest round of funding.
"We welcome all travellers, whether they're a sport or foodie fanatic, music fan or art lover, to immerse themselves in our culture and experience the very best events and experiences, right here in Queensland.
"Whether it's the Birdsville Big Red Bash, the Abbey Medieval Festival in Brisbane or the Australian UFO Festival in the State's north, we encourage everyone to get amongst it!"
