A large crowd of people spread out at the Victory Memorial Gardens, with a large Rainbow displayed in the background.
APPLY NOW: Wagga Wagga City Council's 2025/26 Major Events, Festival and Films Sponsorship funding program - Now Open! First round until Sunday 18 May 2025. Image: Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras, 2023.

Community

Council Funding for Major Events: Now Open!

Published: 14 Mar 2025 1:37pm

Event organisers looking to develop new experiences or build on their event offering in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area are encouraged to apply for Wagga Wagga City Council's 2025/26 Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship funding program.

Applications are now open for events held between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Funding is available across three event categories:

  • Incubator Events – $3000 - $10,000
  • Developing Events – $3000 - $20,000
  • Flagship Events – $10,000 - $20,000

With a $100,000 funding pool available, Council is committed to supporting innovative, creative, and high-quality events to build a vibrant annual events calendar for our community and visitors.

Events Officer Emma Corbett says Council recognises the value of events in driving tourism, creating social connection, celebrating our place & culture, and enlivening our city.

A group of cyclists biking down Fitzmaurice Street in Wagga Wagga.
IMAGE: Gears & Beers, 2023.

“The program provides financial support to develop new events or festival experiences.

“Funding encourages the growth and development of existing or maturing events,” Ms Corbett said.

“Council’s Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship funding program ensures our city continues to present a vibrant and diverse annual events calendar, which provides important economic and cultural benefits to our city.

“Successful applicants in previous rounds included Gears and Beers, Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras and Christmas with the Con.”

There are four assessment rounds throughout the financial year, with this first round closing on Sunday 18 May 2025.

Funding rounds are advertised ongoing throughout the year or until funds are exhausted.

A group of orchestral musicians performing publicly, wearing santa hats.
IMAGE: Christmas with the Con, 2023.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Events team prior to applying via emailing events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or phoning 1300 292 422.

For more information on the program visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/eventsponsorship

Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship funding categories

Incubator Events

New innovative events that are in their first or second year can apply for funding between $3000 - $10,000

Developing Events

Events that have been running successfully for more than two consecutive years can apply for funding between $3000 - $20,000

Flagship Events

Events that have already received three years of funding through the Developing Event stream can apply for funding between $10,000 - $20,000.

Out of Round Requests

For new or unplanned projects that arise outside the designated assessment timeframes, funding is available for up to $15,000. Subject to funds being available.