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Warrnambool City Council is making it easier for organisers to bring conferences, trade shows, workshops and professional gatherings to the city, with the Business Events and Conferences Fund open year-round for the first time.
Applications for the 2026/2027 fund opened on July 1, with a funding pool of $10,000 available to support new business events and conferences held in the Warrnambool municipality.
The fund is designed to support events that attract visitors from outside Warrnambool and generate overnight visitation.
Mayor Cr Ben Blain said the change would give event organisers more flexibility when planning a business event.
“Sometimes opportunities arise that don’t line up neatly with a shorter grant round, so by keeping the fund open throughout the year, we can work with organisers and hopefully see more business events hosted in Warrnambool,” he said.
“Conferences and professional gatherings are a really valuable part of the visitor economy because they can bring delegates here from outside the region, often during quieter periods.
“That means more people staying in local accommodation, eating at local restaurants and cafes, visiting local businesses and experiencing what Warrnambool has to offer.
“For many delegates, a conference might be their first experience of Warrnambool. If we can create a great experience, there’s every chance they’ll come back again for a holiday or recommend the city to others.”
Eligible events include conferences, trade shows, symposiums, business events and workshops.
Applications are open to commercial entities and businesses located in Warrnambool, local businesses outside Warrnambool bringing conferences to the municipality, professional conference organisers, not-for-profit organisations, incorporated associations and cooperatives.
Another useful resource for event organisers is Council’s “Hosting an Event in Warrnambool” hub. The hub includes details on local suppliers, venues and accommodation options.
Visit www.warrnambool.com/hosting-event-warrnambool to see the hub.