Exceptional event success drives major funding boost

The outstanding success of Balonne Shire events is paying off – literally – for local organisers, who can now reap even greater benefits from Council’s Tourism Events Grant Funding Program.

More funds have been added to all categories of the thrice-yearly grant round, along with a new category: Hallmark Events.

The new class awards up to $10,000 to events which attract high visitor numbers and make a significant positive impact to the Balonne Shire economy.

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole said the catalyst for expanding Council’s Tourism Events Grant Funding Program was the incredible success of major events which had returned to the Shire in 2021, following a COVID-19 hiatus last year.

“Our best and most popular events have come back with a bang this year, attracting visitors from across Australia. Each one of them has given so much back to the community.

“Some of the biggest events including the Paul Kelly and Friends Concert at Dirranbandi, the St George 399, Battle on the Balonne, and Thallon’s Grazing at the Watering Hole.

“Council’s decision to increase the grants reflects the local events’ success in attracting huge numbers of visitors from outside our Shire, their positive economic impact, and also the high calibre of the organisers themselves.”

The next round of the Tourism Events Grant Funding Program opens on Monday 2 August.

Balonne Shire Council offers five different categories under the Tourism Events Grant Funding Program.

For more details, visit Council’s website: www.balonne.qld.gov.au/tourism-events-grants