The Andrews Labor Government is backing rural and regional Victorian makers, artists, entertainers and producers with new funding to revitalise the community events calendar.
Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today met with organisers of Woodend Winter Arts Festival at the Woodend Community Centre to announce the festival – one of more than 70 recipients to receive grants as part of the $1 million Regional Community Events Fund.
The Fund is supporting community groups, local councils and small-scale event organisers with grants up to $25,000 for small-scale events and festivals held across the state.
Event organisers for the Woodend Winter Arts Festival will use their funding to bring to life this year’s festivities on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June. Now in its 18th year, the festival brings together acclaimed local and international artists in music, creative and literary communities, attracting more than 6,500 visitors over the three days.
The long weekend festival includes family-friendly music and other art-based events for all ages, along with a program for young people and a series of free community events to ensure that it remains accessible to everyone.
Other successful events funded through the Regional Community Events Fund will be announced in coming weeks, including creative arts and entertainment festivals, sports carnivals, book fairs, cultural events and other small scale events.
The new Fund is part of the Labor Government’s targeted support for local communities to come together safely to help Victoria recover from the pandemic. The Fund will be administered by Visit Victoria, which is well connected to regional event organisers.
The Regional Community Events Fund complements the $20 million Regional Events Fund, a commitment to bring blockbuster events to Victoria’s regions as part of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan. For more information visit
As stated by Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“Rural and regional Victoria is host to some of our state’s most exciting community events which in turn creates local jobs and boosts the economy.”
“Our Regional Community Events Fund will back our event organisers to bounce back and ensure the state’s diverse and vibrant calendar of community events can continue to thrive.”
