Events Tasmania grants program open

The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O'Byrne, announced the opening of the 2012 Events Tasmania Grants Program.

Ms O’Byrne said the Government, through Events Tasmania, has designed the program to encourage interstate and international event organisers to stage their next event in Tasmania, and to support local organisers in their event development.

The 2012 Grants Program includes funding support in the areas of:

* National Championship - assists organisations, clubs and associations who secure a national championship for Tasmania in 2012.
* Special Interest Grant - encourages and assists organisations, clubs and associations (including sporting, cultural, recreational, and special interest groups) with a common interest to stage their next event in Tasmania.
* Touring Grant - encourages national and international car and motorcycle clubs, as well as cycling touring groups to host their next event in Tasmania.
* Tasmanian Regional Event Development (TRED) Grant – aims to increase the sustainability of regional festivals and events through a one off payment on an agreed project

“Events provide specific triggers for travel and they help position Tasmania as an attractive tourist destination. At a local level, events generate productivity, excitement and passion, invigorate communities and stimulate business," Ms O’Byrne said.

“In 2012, we plan to invest around $460 000 to supported events, $40 000 of which will be attached to the TRED Grant program. The total program is expected to deliver an estimated $28.8 million in economic benefits to Tasmania,” said Ms O’Byrne.

Applications for the 2012 grant program close on Monday 18 April, 2011 and all applicants will be notified in writing by 30 June 2011 as to the outcome of their application.

The current program is funding more than 100 events in Tasmania during 2011, and is expected to bring an estimated 24 500 event participants to the State staying an average of 5.7 nights in Tasmania.

The range of events being supported in 2011 included tennis, golf, cycling, car clubs, reunions, cultural groups, music and festivals.