South Australia’s regional events are set to receive $1m in support as applications for the Regional Event Fund (REF).

Premier Steven Marshall said the $1m boost would strengthen the state’s events calendar especially during the COVID-19 recovery phase – all while creating local jobs in the regions.

“Regional events play an important role in driving visitation, boosting our regional economies and creating local jobs, Premier Marshall said.

“The new funding will further grow our regional event calendar, helping to attract local, interstate and international visitors who will spend their hard-earned money in our state.

“The 2021-22 funding rounds supported 55 events in SA, more than doubling our events and festivals calendar compared to the previous year.

“It supported brand new events in our state from Jazz in the Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Copper & Stone Music Festival in the Clare Valley to well-known favourites such as the Oakbank Easter Carnival in the Adelaide Hills and Ceduna Oysterfest on the Eyre Peninsula.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what new and exciting events and festivals are uncovered this year.”

The 2022-23 Regional Event Fund has four categories:

Significant Event Funding (from $50,000) – up to three years’ funding for new large-scale signature events that have the potential to be nationally or internationally significant and which provides substantial visitation, media and profiling opportunities and economic impact for South Australia.

Established Event Funding ($20,000 – $50,000) – up to three years’ funding for events that can demonstrate a strong track record of growth and a strategy for event innovation.

Development Funding ($10,000 – $20,000) – up to three years’ funding for events that demonstrate potential for growth and development.

Emerging Event Funding ($5,000 – $10,000) – up to two years funding for events that are one to three years young, with a focus on smaller community events.

The 2022-23 Regional Event Fund will support events held between September 1, 2022 and August 30, 2023. Applications for Round One close April 22 with Round Two opening in August.

Applications for Significant Event Funding will be accepted year-round.