Regional Events and Partnerships Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions relating to the Regional Events and Partnerships stream of the Active Regional Communities Package

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Who can apply for funding under the program?

Businesses, not for profit organisations and local government.

Detailed information on who can apply are in the program guidelines.

What do I need to provide when applying for Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)?

Your EOI must include:

organisation details including the ABN
a short project description
project scope and how grant funding will be used
project location
expected ongoing benefits to the region
estimated grant request and estimated total project cost
evidence of partnership/consortium arrangement (if applicable)
supporting documentation may be provided.

EOIs are assessed against the criteria in the program guidelines.

If your project appears eligible and achievable within the timeframes, you may be invited to submit a Stage 2 - Detailed Application.

Submitting an EOI application does not guarantee funding.

When will I be notified if my application is progressing to Stage 2 – Detailed Application?

If your EOI meets the eligibility timeframe requirements, the department may invite you to apply for a Stage 2 - Detailed Application.

Can anyone submit an application for Stage 2 – Detailed Application?

No. Only applicants who are formally invited to apply by the department can apply for Stage 2 - Detailed Application.

What supporting documentation do I need to supply if I am invited for Stage 2?

If invited to apply via a detailed application at Stage 2, applicants must address all selection criteria outlined in the program guidelines and provide detailed supporting evidence. Each application must include all documents and completed sections listed in the application form.

The supporting documentation below will be required, including:

a clear project scope and description of activities
a detailed project budget based on quotes or detailed estimates, reasonable assumptions or previous experience with similar projects
a project management plan using the template provided demonstrating the project will be successfully completed in the required timeframe
a risk management plan demonstrating an understanding of the project’s risks and strategies to manage or mitigate the risks
landowner’s consent using the template provided (if required)
public liability insurance of not less than $20 million per occurrence or evidence of willingness to obtain, prior to executing a funding deed with the department
evidence of financial co-contribution or evidence to support an exemption
evidence of partnership / consortium arrangement (if applicable)
development approval (DA) (if applicable)
planning/environment approvals (if applicable)
heritage approvals (if applicable)
traffic/transport permits (if applicable)
evidence to demonstrate financial viability by providing the most recent 3 years of financial statements
provide appropriate evidence of not-for-profit and incorporation status (if relevant).

Non-compliant or ineligible applications will not be considered for further assessment.

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

Projects that support significant events in regional NSW and deliver ongoing local benefits, such as:

attract or develop new events in regional NSW that deliver ongoing benefits such as economic growth and improved social outcomes
expand existing events through new and/or upgraded permanent infrastructure or activation of under-used assets
increase the frequency of events, including addressing barriers to regular or reliable use of existing assets or temporary facilities.

Examples are in the program guidelines.

Where does the project need to be located/delivered?

Projects must be in one of the 95 regional NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs), the Unincorporated Far West region or on Lord Howe Island. Projects located in the Sydney metropolitan area are ineligible.

A list of the eligible project locations is provided within theprogram guidelines.

If you don’t own the land or infrastructure where the project will be located, you must provide landowner consent and/or access agreements.

Does my business address need to be based in one of the eligible LGAs to apply?

No. Only the project must be located within an eligible LGA and deliver regional benefits.

Can I submit multiple applications?

Up to one application for the Regional Events & Partnerships stream
Up to 3 applications across all Active Regional Communities Package streams
Only one application for the same project can be funded

Choose your priority projects and allow enough time to prepare quality applications.

Can I apply for more than one stream?

Eligible applicants may apply to more than one stream but may submit only one application per stream. Applicants should select the stream most appropriate for their project.

What project costs are eligible for funding?

Refer to the program guidelines.

If unsure, email regionaldevelopmenttrust@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Do I need to provide a co-contribution towards the project?

Applicants must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost.

In exceptional circumstances, the department may consider an exemption from all or part of this contribution. Examples include natural disasters, major weather events, recent related infrastructure investment, or other significant financial circumstances.

Applicants seeking an exemption must outline their request in the application and identify any in‑kind contributions that could offset part or all of the exemption. These may include donated materials, applicant‑owned equipment, or internal staff time. All in‑kind contributions must be eligible costs and clearly itemised, including:

the value of each contribution (e.g. $1,400 project management cost), and
how it was calculated (e.g. 20 hours at $70 per hour).

Approved in‑kind contributions must be reported and acquitted during project delivery.
Important: Applicants should note that applications providing the full 50% financial co‑contribution may be preferred during assessment.

Secured Australian Government grants can count toward the financial contribution. NSW Government grants cannot. Unsecured grants should not be relied on as co‑contribution.

How long do I have to deliver the project?

Projects must start within 6 months of the commencement date of the funding deed and be completed within 18 months from this date.

Project delivery timeframes are subject to the terms and conditions of an executed funding deed.

Can I begin the project before being notified of the outcome of my application?

No. Costs incurred before the funding deed is signed will not be reimbursed.

You can progress approvals (e.g., development approval) before notification.

If my business is not located in an eligible location, but the project is, am I eligible to apply?

Yes. It is possible for an applicant to have a physical business/organisation location that is not within one of the eligible locations if the proposed project is being delivered in an eligible area, and provided the applicant meets all the other eligibility criteria.

Applications will need to clearly demonstrate that the project will be undertaken in, and deliver outcomes and benefits in, an eligible area as outlined in the program guidelines.

What supporting documentation do I need to supply with my project budget?

You must provide evidence, such as quotes or detailed estimates, to support your project budget.

If your application is successful, you will be required to produce receipts and/or evidence of expenditure for all project costs, dated within the project start and end dates for reimbursement.

Costs incurred prior to the execution of a funding deed are ineligible and will not be reimbursed.

What support is available during the application process?

You can get help with:

Technical support
Online forms
Guidance on how to complete your application

Contact regionaldevelopmenttrust@dpird.nsw.gov.au

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