The new streamlined half-yearly rounds will allow applicants to plan for their school holidays and promote activities to their communities well in advance.
Funding of up to $15,000 for the Summer 2023/24 school holidays and $7,000 for the Autumn 2024 school holidays will be available to all 93 regional councils and other eligible organisations to cover the cost of running youth events during the school breaks.
The funding can be used to support a wide range of activities including sport or performing arts activities, movie nights, and DJ workshops.
As part of the program changes, an additional $3,000 in travel loading will also be available to projects being delivered in remote NSW. This will ensure young people living in these areas are given equal opportunities to attend social and recreational events during the school holidays.
Thanks to a growing base of program partners, Holiday Break is currently funding activities with organisations like Rugby NSW, KYUP!, Create NSW and the One Giant Leap Foundation.
Applications are now open and will close 5pm Friday 3 November 2023. Applications will be assessed on a first in, first served basis and funding will be prioritised to eligible projects servicing priority youth groups.
To find out more and for program guidelines, visit www.nsw.gov.au/holidaybreakprogram
Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:
"This change to the funding model means that eligible organisations will only have to apply once, whether it is for activities in both seasons or just the one, making it a much quicker and smoother process.
"The new process also means organisations can plan ahead, have more time to spread the word to their local community and encourage more young people to get involved.
"We know how expensive it can be for parents and carers to find things to do during school breaks so it's important that the events and activities on offer are free to help ease some of that financial pressure for regional families."
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"This program's extra support for travel in remote NSW is an important initiative.
"Some young people in remote and regional NSW need assistance in overcoming financial or geographical barriers to access those activities others may take for granted during school holidays.
"I also want to thank the program partners who are getting aboard with Holiday Break, because they are participating in a wonderful program that ensures young people from across remote and regional NSW have fun and learn new skills during their school holidays."
CEO of Rugby NSW, Paul Doorn said:
"Holiday Break funding allows Rugby NSW to engage with more young people across regional NSW with our training camps.
"This is an investment not only in young people but in the future of the sport of rugby. We believe the next generation of rugby heroes will come from regional NSW where, thanks to this funding, young people now have improved access to skills and development clinics run during school holidays.
"This is about nurturing young people and recognising their potential and giving them opportunities to be their best selves while also embracing a love of rugby."
