Launch of Events Tasmania's 2011 Grants and 2010 Event Development Programs

Michelle O'Byrne, MP

Minister for Tourism and the Arts

Monday, 1 February 2010

The Minister for Tourism and the Arts, Michelle O'Byrne today announced the launch of Events Tasmania's 2011 Grants and 2010 Event Development Programs.

"Events are a significant contributor to Tasmania's ongoing tourism success story," Ms O'Byrne said.

"During the 2008-09 financial year, the four grants programs administered by Events Tasmania delivered an estimated 18 500 visitors and $24 million to the State."

"The State Government recognises the value of investing in events that attract visitors to our State and is committed to providing a range of funding opportunities to encourage and help event organisers to stage their next event in Tasmania.

"Now in its 10^th year, the annual grants program continues to be an important part of Events Tasmania's business. The programs are designed to encourage prospective event organisers to consider Tasmania as the location for their next event or championship, and to support Tasmanian event organisers in their event development.

"The programs also support many of Tasmania's home-grown events and motivate a wide range of national bodies and organisations to select Tasmania as their next event destination.

 "It's an initiative that continues to return impressive dividends to the State.

 "This year, the State Government's Event Grants Program is funding more than 110 events state-wide that are expected to attract up to 30,000 event participants to the Tasmania."

 "It is anticipated the State's $450,000 investment through the four grant programs this year will inject an estimated $35 million into the Tasmanian economy."

 Ms O'Byrne said organisations like sporting groups, recreational bodies, cultural associations, special interest groups, car clubs, and organisers of bicycle and motor cycle events can now apply for the grant programs for events being held in 2011.

 "Local event organisers can also benefit from a range of workshops, scholarships and resources offered through the 2010 Event Development Program.

 "I encourage any individual or group planning an event in 2011, or for event organisers hosting an event in 2010 to request or download a copy of the Grants Program booklet or Event Development Program Booklet, and submit their applications prior to the closing dates."

 The 2011 Grants program offers funding support in the areas of:

National Championships - assists organisations, clubs and associations who host a national championship in Tasmania in 2011.

Special Events - encourages and assists organisations, clubs and associations (including sporting, cultural, recreational, and special interest groups) to hold a festival, special event, or other gathering in Tasmania.

 Touring Incentive - encourages national and international car and motorcycle clubs, cycling touring groups and other touring events to host their next event in Tasmania.

Your Club Our Island - encourages small event groups and clubs to visit Tasmania during the months of May to September.

The 2010 Event Development Program offers workshops, scholarships and resources for Tasmanian event organisers.

Event organisers can request booklets by contacting info@eventstasmania.com or by telephoning Events Tasmania on 03 6233 5946.

Copies of the Program booklet are available from Events Tasmania or can be downloaded from www.eventstasmania.com

 Applications for the 2011 National Championships, Special Event and Touring Incentive funding programs close on Friday 14 May 2010.