7 Jul 2026
Minns Government to power up regional NSW events
The Minns Labor Government is putting money where it matters, delivering more than $1.3 million to support 56 grassroots events across regional NSW through the 2026/27 Regional Event Fund.
Through Destination NSW, grants of up to $50,000 will go toward marketing, PR, infrastructure and equipment hire, the practical support that turns a good local event into a destination worth travelling for.
And the numbers back it up. New Tourism Research Australia data confirms regional NSW is Australia's number one regional visitor destination, ahead of Victoria, ahead of Queensland, and pulling further ahead every year.
In the year ended March 2026, more than 64 million international and domestic visitors came to regional NSW and spent more than $27 billion in local communities.
Regional NSW led the nation on total visits and total nights stayed and is well on the way to reaching the ambitious target set by the Minns Labor Government $44 billion in regional expenditure by 2035.
The Regional Event Fund has been backing regional communities since 1996, more than 650 events, more than $17 million invested. It helped build the Deni Ute Muster and the Parkes Elvis Festival from local favourites into national icons.
This year's successful events include:
- Seven Valleys Wild Food Festival: Celebrating local food, creativity and community in Lithgow.
- Casino Truck Show: One of Australia's great transport events, held in the heart of Casino's CBD.
- Barragga Yangga: Meaning 'Many Songs' in traditional Dhurga language, a powerful celebration of First Nations language, story and song on the South Coast.
- Tarago Medieval Faire: Home to Australia's only historical solid lance joust, armoured combat, medieval markets and live performances.
- Newcastle Food Month: Australia's most expansive food festival, with more than 70 events across a full month.
- Woolgoolga Curryfest: Twenty years of turning Woolgoolga's streets and beach reserve into a carnival of colour, taste and community.
For the full list of 2026/27 recipients, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/regional-event-fund-2026-27
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:
"The Minns Labor Government is investing in regional NSW tourism, because we understand that when we get visitors into our regions, they stay longer and spend more in our great state.
"64 million visitors. $27 billion in visitor expenditure. Regional NSW isn't just holding its own, it's leading the country. And this government is determined to keep it that way.
“These events are the heartbeat of their communities, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to back them."
MEDIA:
Elaine Kintis | Minister Kamper | 0419 184 392