Office for Regional Youth Holiday Break Program Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions for the Office for Regional Youth Holiday Break Program.
How much funding am I eligible for?
Eligible councils and other organisations can apply for up to $7,000.
Which councils are eligible to apply?
See full list of eligible regional councils (PDF 140.33KB).
What is the closing date for applications?
Applications for Autumn Holiday Break funding close on Friday March 3 2023 or earlier when funding has been exhausted.
How do I submit an application for funding?
Applicants can complete and submit a proposal using the SmartyGrants portal. Applications will be assessed as submissions are received, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applicants are required to complete and upload two templates with their submission. Using the templates provided is mandatory. These can be found at the following links:
What activities can be funded?
New or enhanced social or recreational activities, events, services or programs for young people aged 12-24 years during the Autumn school holidays.
Examples of eligible activities:
- youth concerts and music events
- sports and recreational activities
- creative and cultural activities
- dance / disco events
- art and theatre workshops
- outdoor activities
- water-based sporting and sight-seeing activities
- science, technology and gaming activities.
When do activities need to be delivered?
Activities are to be delivered between Saturday 8 April 2023 and Sunday 23 April 2023.
Who are the priority groups of young people that not-for-profit organisations must deliver activities to?
Activities delivered by not-for-profits should target one of the priority groups of young people identified below:
- Aboriginal young people
- young people that are carers
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse young people
- young people from a refugee background
- LGBTIQA+ young people
- young people living with a disability
- young people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
How long does it take to receive funding?
Applications will be assessed in order of receipt ,unless otherwise advised.
Successful applicants will receive a notification and link via email to complete a funding deed. Payments will be released after the execution of the funding deed.
Due to high volumes of funding deeds, requests are considered in order of receipt. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their funding deed at their earliest possible convenience.
Should my invoice be inclusive or exclusive of GST?
Invoices from local councils should be exclusive of GST.
Invoices from not-for-profits can include GST.
What do I do if the scope of activities changes between application and completion?
Amendments to proposed activities will not be accommodated. However, should an event be impacted by COVID-19 or natural disasters, the guidelines permit a change of dates as long as delivery occurs within the NSW school holiday period.
If you are unable to deliver activities as detailed in the Funding Deed, please advise both the Grants Management Office at gmo@regional.nsw.gov.au, and the Office for Regional Youth at regionalyouth@regional.nsw.gov.au as soon as possible.
Can I deliver activities outside of the school holidays?
Funds must be expended on activities as part of the Autumn 2023 school holidays.
Why isn’t my council eligible for funding?
Councils within the Greater Sydney Area, Newcastle LGA and Wollongong LGA are ineligible for funding as they are outside of the program scope.
How do I include reference to NSW Government support in media and promotions?
The ‘proudly supported by NSW Government’ logo is available in the guidelines. Further queries regarding media opportunities can be referred to media@regional.nsw.gov.au.
I am having difficulty signing and witnessing my funding deed. What can I do?
Funding deeds need to be printed, signed and returned. Funding deeds can be signed by authorised staff at the council/organisation or a person at the council/organisation with delegation. Funding deeds cannot be electronically signed as legal documents but they can be witnessed virtually.