An exciting range of locally run events are set to receive a $362,000 funding boost thanks to a NSW Government grant program.
Fifteen organisations secured grants through the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program, designed to encourage social and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bega Valley Shire Council secured funding for four projects, including the Wilderness to Water Tours, to showcase the natural beauty and environmental significance of Council's reserves.
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said the funding will provide a much-needed boost to community organisations in their recovery from a difficult time.
"Through this funding, the NSW Government aims to support community and business recovery through events that rebuild or enhance community cohesion and support local businesses," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
"It's great to see projects such as Panboola's 20th birthday celebration, the South Coast Ale Trail-Craft Beer Festival, Eden Community Access Centre's Community Arts and Music Program and many more being recognised and funded to enable their exciting events to continue or progress.
"The strength of the program is the social and economic recovery of our region by renewing social connections and providing a revenue boost to local organisations and businesses.
"I thank everyone who invested their time and energy to apply for this funding on behalf of their communities.
"Through this program, Council is also committed to working with the community to continue our recovery journey."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Community Events Program will support the state's events and hospitality sectors and provide economic recovery while allowing communities to reconnect.
"The past two years have been difficult and 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," Mr Toole said.
"The NSW Government is backing events that bring local communities together and this funding will help to reinvigorate these communities and contribute to a sense of improved wellbeing and connectedness."
The successful Council projects are:
- Citizenship Ceremony to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day. Held on 16 September this year, the shire welcomed 18 new citizens at a special event in the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre,
- Wilderness to Water Tours
- Launch of the new look Bega Valley Regional Gallery.
- Australia Day 2023 community celebration, to be held on 26 January next year.
The full list of projects funded under the NSW Government's Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program are listed on Council's website.
