Holiday Break program
Young people are an essential part of vibrant regional communities. The Holiday Break program provides young people aged 12 - 24 years with opportunities to connect, socialise, and have fun during the school holidays by delivering a range of free and subsidised activities across regional NSW. The program is funded by the Office for Regional Youth.
Eligible regional NSW councils and not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver events as part of the Holiday Break program. Applications must address the geographical, financial and accessibility barriers that impact the ability of young people in regional NSW to participate in social and recreational activities within their local communities.
Applications now open for Summer Holiday Break
Applications for funding for the Summer 2022/23 Holiday Break are now open.
Eligible regional NSW councils and not-for-profits can apply for funding to deliver events and activities during the Summer school holidays.
Key dates for Summer Holiday Break
Applications open: 26 September 2022
Applications close: 21 October 2022
Activities delivered between: Wednesday 21 December 2022 – Sunday 5 February 2023
Outcomes report due: 17 February 2023
Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Regional councils in NSW (PDF 140.33KB)
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
Program information and resources
- Program guidelines (PDF 571.28KB)
- View frequently asked questions listed below
How to apply
Eligible applicants can submit an application using the online SmartyGrants portal. More details will be provided when the Spring funding round opens.
Getting support
For more information and support with your application, please contact Regionalyouth@regional.nsw.gov.au.
Holiday Break program FAQs
Eligible councils and not-for-profits can apply for up to $15,000.
See full list of eligible regional councils here (PDF 140.33KB).
Applications for Summer Holiday Break funding close Friday 21 October 2022.
Applicants can complete and submit a proposal using the SmartyGrants portal.
New or enhanced social or recreational activities, events, services or programs for young people aged 12-24 years during the Summer school holidays.
Examples of eligible activities:
- movie nights
- youth concerts and music events
- sports and recreational activities
- creative and cultural activities
- dance / disco events
Activities are to be delivered between Wednesday 21 December 2022 and Sunday 5 February 2023.
Activities delivered by not-for-profits must 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.
Applications will be assessed within 10 working days, unless otherwise advised. Once an application is approved, applicants will receive an email notification.
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.
Invoices from local councils should be exclusive of GST.
Invoices from not-for-profits can include GST.
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.
Funds must be expended on activities as part of the Summer 2022/23 school holidays.
Councils within the Greater Sydney Area, Newcastle LGA and Wollongong LGA are ineligible for funding as they are outside of the program scope.
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.
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.