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Twenty six local events will share in over $117,000 in Warrnambool City Council funding, with the recipients of Council’s 2023/2024 Festivals and Events Grants finalised.
Of these, 10 are either brand-new events, or events held in Warrnambool for the first time.
“It’s an exciting mix of events, including arts, culture, sport, music, community, tourism and some fantastic annual events that are staples on the events calendar,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said.
“Warrnambool is an events city, and a diverse range of events is a big part of what makes our city a fun and engaging place to live, bringing us together while encouraging tourism.
“Congratulations to all of the successful applicants. You are all playing your part in creating a vibrant, happy community.”
Warrnambool City Council Director City Growth Luke Coughlan said that Council had simplified the way in which groups can apply for funding, with multiple funding streams rolled into the one program.
“By having one source of funding at the start of the financial year, it means we have a better understanding of our events calendar over a longer period of time, and we can assess how it aligns with our overall Events Strategy – which aims to create a diverse calendar of events throughout the year,” he said.
“For event organisers, it also gives them more surety. Their event might not be until next year, but they know that they have Council support secured, so they can plan with more confidence.
“Within this single funding stream, it’s important to have different categories for events that meet different goals. For example we have our Activate Warrnambool category which provides seed funding for new events in off-peak times.
“This is the first year that we have had a separate category for business events and conferences, and we would love to support more of these types of events in the coming years.”