Terms and Conditions 2020 Flagship Event Fund
Transcript Of Terms and Conditions 2020 Flagship Event Fund
Terms and Conditions – 2020 Flagship Event Fund
Note: This document describes the conditions of participation in the 2020 Flagship Event Fund only. It does not describe the conditions of participation in the Micro Event Fund. Destination NSW is the manager of this program.
Table of Contents
Destination NSW Regional Tourism Strategy The Flagship Event Fund
Objectives General Eligibility Grants Use of Funds Fund Eligibility Fund Criteria Flagship Event Fund – Application Process Application Process The Panel Feedback Event Agreement Other Conditions Destination NSW Discretion Important Contacts at Destination NSW Appendix 1 – Destination Network Boundary Map Appendix 2 – Sydney Local Government Areas
Please read the following conditions carefully. Destination NSW’s assessment panel will allocate funding for the Flagship Event Fund according to the terms in this document.
Destination NSW
The New South Wales (NSW) Government established Destination NSW as a statutory authority in July 2011 to support the growth of the State’s tourism and events sector.
Our Role
Destination NSW is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the visitor economy, with particular focus on driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and Regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions for Sydney and Regional NSW.
Our Vision
To make Sydney and NSW one of the world’s most successful tourism and event destinations.
Our Mission
Is to triple visitor expenditure by 2030 and maximise the benefits of the visitor economy for NSW.
Our Strategic Objectives
The strategic direction for Destination NSW is currently led by the Final Report of the NSW Visitor Economy Taskforce.
Destination NSW’s key strategic objectives are:
Achieve the visitor economy 2030 target Position Sydney and NSW as Australia’s premier tourist and events destination Develop the strongest and most compelling events calendar in Australia Increase industry stakeholder and customer engagement Deliver value in our partnership and co-operative programs Attract and retain the best staff and build staff capacity and capabilities.
Regional Tourism Strategy
In 2015, the Board of Destination NSW was tasked with reviewing the existing model of the State’s Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs). This review recommended the reform of RTOs, the implementation of a new regional tourism model and a redesign of regional visitor economy funding.
On 6 July 2016 the NSW Government announced that 6 new and professionalised regional tourism entities would be established, to be known as Destination Networks (DNs). The DNs have replaced the previous RTO structure and work with Destination NSW to advance the interests of growing tourism in NSW.
The six DNs are:
Destination Riverina Murray Destination Southern NSW (including the Snowy Mountains and the Far South Coast) Destination North Coast (including Lord Howe Island) Destination Country and Outback NSW
Destination Sydney Surrounds North (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter, Penrith and Hawkesbury) Destination Sydney Surrounds South (including the Southern Highlands, Wollongong, the Shoalhaven and Wollondilly).
A map showing the boundaries of the Destination Networks by Local Government Area is provided in Appendix 1.
The core role of the Destination Networks is destination management and, as such, their key responsibilities are industry engagement and industry development, product development, training and education, ensuring quality and compliance with funding application guidelines, and collaboration with Destination NSW on industry activities.
In addition, the DNs develop and implement their region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP), in alignment with the NSW State Destination Management Plan, and ensure its alignment with local tourism and other related plans. Please contact the DN’s for all enquiries relating to the DMP.
Destination NSW’s support for the Flagship Event Fund works alongside the strategies that each Destination Network has for the marketing and development of regional tourism.
The Flagship Event Fund
Objective
The Flagship Event Fund, formerly known as the Regional Flagship Events Program, identifies and assists the promotion of events that contribute to the unique character of the tourism regions of NSW and can demonstrate that they attract overnight visitation. The fund is open to events held in Regional NSW that have been running for more than two years and offers grants specifically to support marketing activities aimed at increasing visibility and attracting visitation to the event from outside its local area.
General Eligibility
Only events held in the six Destination Networks are eligible to apply for funding through the Flagship Event Fund. This includes events held in the Sydney metropolitan Local Government Areas of Penrith and Hawkesbury which are part of Destination Sydney Surrounds North, and Wollondilly which is part of Destination Sydney Surrounds South. A map showing the boundaries of the Destination Networks by Local Government Area is provided in Appendix 1.
Events held in Local Government Areas not in a Destination Network are not eligible to apply for funding through the Flagship Event Fund. Local Government Areas not in a Destination Network are listed in Appendix 2.
Events held in areas on the border between NSW and another State must prove, as part of their application, that at least 80% of the event’s activity is physically based in NSW to be eligible for funding from the Flagship Event Fund, or that at least 50% of its economic benefit flows to NSW.
A single event may not receive funding from more than one Destination NSW regional event funding program in the same year. For example, an event may only receive a grant from either the 2020 Flagship Event Fund or the 2020 Micro Event Fund, but not both. Where an event applies to more than one fund, Destination NSW will determine at its absolute discretion the most appropriate funding program for the event and assess the application accordingly.
The following event types are not eligible to apply for funding from the Flagship Event Fund:
Regular (e.g.: weekly, monthly or held multiple times a year) community events such as markets, bazaars, sports meets (home/away games, local tournaments), club gatherings (RSL, Rotary, Chambers of Commerce etc.), classes and workshops One-off events that are not planned to continue after a single year, such as anniversary celebrations, concerts, exhibitions and theatre seasons. This includes annual events whose location changes each year, or events that are not guaranteed to remain in a specific destination for the long-term Events that have a religious ceremony or celebration as the principal focus such as Easter or Christmas celebrations or the similar festivals of other religions. Events held over religious holiday weekends will be considered if the religious festival is not the focus of the event (eg: food or music festivals) Community public holiday celebrations such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Queen’s Birthday if the holiday is the primary focus. Events held on public holidays will be considered if the holiday is not the focus (eg: food or music festival) Event series such as sporting events held in multiple locations across the year Extension activities or satellite events of already existing events. Only the parent event will be considered Touring events such as concert tours, circuses and fun fairs Promotional events where the marketing of a product is the principal objective Events whose overnight visitor impact is not immediate ie: that promote visitation to a destination at a later date Business events such as trade shows, exhibitions, conferences and industry meetings. Consumer events that include a business event as an extension event may be considered if the consumer event is the primary purpose of the event. Please click here for information on Destination NSW’s business events programs. Events owned and/or operated by an agency or entity of the Federal Government, or a State or Territory Government including New South Wales.
All applicants to the Flagship Event Fund must be the event owner (i.e.: own the rights to the event and have the relevant approvals for the event), must be financially solvent, must be a sole trader, company, incorporated association, or trust entity and have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Destination Networks are unable to apply for funding from this program.
Grants
The Flagship Event Fund offers two grants:
Annual grants of $20,000 (excl. GST); or Triennial grants of $27,500 (excl. GST) in cash and $2,500 (excl. GST) in value-in-kind research services per year, guaranteed for three years.
Grant monies must be spent on marketing initiatives that encourage overnight visitation from outside the region in which the event is occurring.
Use of Funds
The event marketing activities that will be supported by Destination NSW’s Flagship Event Fund must:
a. Be directed at specific domestic and/or international markets outside the immediate Local Government Area of the event; and
b. Aim to increase tourism business by influencing visitors’ intention to travel to, and stay overnight in, the region and/or to extend their length of stay.
Funding will only be made available to enhance marketing and promotion to assist existing events build visitation from outside the event’s local area. Funding is not intended to replace previous or other event funding.
Flagship Event Fund grants must be expended on marketing and promotional costs, including but not limited to:
Advertising or promotional costs Brand design PR activities Website development Social or digital marketing Cooperative marketing activities Photography or videography Visitor research.
All visual communication materials (advertising, fliers, posters, image gallery etc.) must be of an appropriately high, professional standard. If required, grant monies should be used to achieve this standard.
Flagship Event Fund monies must not be used for:
Event infrastructure costs Event staff costs and salaries Event staff travel or other travel expenses General and other administration costs For performer / artist fees or travel expenses Local Council fees and other service costs As prize money, gifts or contributions to charitable groups. (Where some event proceeds go to charity, evidence will be required to show adequate funds are retained for the ongoing operation of the event).
Fund Eligibility
The 2020 Flagship Event Fund is only available to events that start between 1 May 2020 and 31 December 2020.
Events held in January, February, March or April 2020 are not eligible to apply.
To be eligible to receive funding through the Flagship Event Fund:
The event must have been held at least twice prior to receiving a grant. For the avoidance of doubt, Flagship Event funding will only be offered to events being held for the third or more time in the year of funding The event must be held in one of the six regional NSW Destination Networks’ geographical areas The event must have a minimum of 80% of its activities physically based in NSW The event must not receive funding from another Destination NSW regional event funding program in the same year The event owner must be a sole trader, company, incorporated association, or trust entity The event owner must hold public liability insurance The event owner must not have debts to the NSW Government The event owner must hold an Australian Business Number The event owner agrees to enter into a contract for funding with Destination NSW.
Potential applicants should also note that:
A single event may receive an Annual grant a maximum of three times A single event may receive a Triennial grant only once An event will only be considered for a Triennial grant once it has received three Annual grants. Events that have already received three Annual grants may only apply for a Triennial grant Events that have previously received Triennial funding under the Flagship Event Fund (or former Regional Flagship Events Program) are not eligible to receive any further funding from the Flagship Event Fund.
All applicants to the Flagship Event Fund must be the event owner (i.e.: own the rights to the event and have the relevant approvals for the event), and must be financially solvent.
Destination Networks are unable to apply for funding from this program.
Fund Criteria
To be considered for funding from the Flagship Event Fund, an event must demonstrate that they sufficiently meet the following fund criteria:
Key criteria:
Define the character and culture of their local area Attract overnight visitation from outside the event’s Local Government Area Have a well-developed marketing plan aimed at delivering incremental audience growth with defined target audiences and measurable objectives Demonstrate clear strategies for measuring and evaluating visitation and the visitor experience.
Secondary criteria:
Contribute to local and/or regional tourism strategies and align with relevant Destination Management Plans Demonstrate engagement with the local tourism industry with a view to building partnerships that drive visitation Have a well-structured and organised event management committee or company with access to operational and marketing expertise and the ability to handle issues such as public liability and insurance matters. The event must demonstrate that it has adequate public liability insurance and other relevant insurance cover Have the support of the local Council Demonstrate sound financial management and the ability to budget appropriately Have a capacity to grow and be sustainable without Government funding Take place outside the peak tourism period for the area ie: during the off-peak or shoulder seasons.
To be awarded a Triennial grant, an application must score highly against the Key Criteria. The assessment panel must be convinced that the event attracts strong overnight visitation measured through robust methodologies, has a clear capacity to continue to grow overnight visitation, and has marketing strategies to deliver this growth.
Flagship Event Fund – Application Process
Application Process
Grants in the 2020 Flagship Event Fund will be allocated in a single round for events taking place between 1 May and 31 December 2020 Events held in January, February, March or April 2020 are not eligible to apply to the 2020 Flagship Event Fund An application to the Flagship Event Fund is a single-stage process consisting of a long-form, on-line application form (Application Form) responding to a series of questions that address the fund criteria. Strong applications require robust data and supporting information The Application Form includes multiple opportunities to upload supplementary information in support of the application and applicants are encouraged to do so All applications for grants from the 2020 Flagship Event Fund must be submitted through the Destination NSW on-line application platform and be received by Destination NSW no later than the closing date. Application Forms received after this date will not be accepted Application Forms sent via email, post or fax will not be accepted Applications for the 2020 Flagship Event Fund open on Friday 21 February 2020 and must be received by Destination NSW no later than midnight (Sydney Time) on Wednesday 25 March 2020. Applications received after this date and time will not be accepted Applicants are encouraged to start their applications early during the application period to ensure they are completed in good time before the closing date. Destination NSW is not responsible for delays to the submission of applications caused by technology, connection or other issues outside of its control Receipt of Application Forms will be acknowledged by email following submission. If an acknowledgment email is not received following submission, please contact the Regional Event Fund Coordinator on 02 9931 1431 or email [email protected] All Application Forms will be assessed by a panel made up of representatives from Destination NSW. Based on the assessments, the panel will recommend the events to receive funding in 2020 If an application is unsuccessful the applicant will be informed in writing Successful applications will be announced by the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney where the amount of the grant will be disclosed to the public and media. Successful applicants will receive a letter of notification following this announcement.
The Panel
Applications for Flagship Event Fund grants are assessed by a panel convened by Destination NSW (the Panel) and consisting of representatives with experience in events and regional tourism.
The Panel will make its recommendations for which events should receive Flagship Event Fund grants according to the following principles of the fund:
The fund is a co-operative arrangement between Destination NSW and the regional event The fund is a Destination NSW financial sponsorship program that supports the promotion of selected regional events to achieve tourism outcomes of benefit to Regional NSW The fund seeks to assist the promotion of those events that expressly contribute to the unique identity of the tourism regions of the State, and that demonstrate the potential to act as ‘flagships’ for those regions It is the aim of Destination NSW, but not a certainty, that at least one event will be supported in each of the six Destination Network regions, subject to the quality of the applications received Receipt of a Flagship Event Fund grant in a previous year is no indication that a current application will be successful. The Panel will make its recommendations for 2020 funding based on the merits of the event’s application for that year.
Destination NSW reserves the right not to award funding in any region if the applications are of insufficient merit in the opinion of the Panel.
Feedback
Applicants will have the opportunity to contact Destination NSW to receive feedback on their applications following assessment but should note that:
Information provided by Destination NSW is a guide only and is prepared in good faith. Destination NSW has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of presentation Feedback is supplied based on the information provided to Destination NSW. Destination NSW does not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy, suitability, reliability, currency or completeness of any feedback provided Destination NSW cannot promise any results or benefits from an applicant’s participation in feedback. All applicants are responsible for determining any further investigations, information and consideration that might be required It is the applicant and the event management’s responsibility to decide, based on their full knowledge and understanding of their business situation, how relevant the information is. Destination NSW recommends seeking independent professional advice (legal, financial or otherwise) Destination NSW is not liable for any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by the applicant on any feedback and information provided. No guarantees are made of any particular outcome if an applicant chooses to rely on the feedback.
Event Agreement
The provision of Flagship Event Fund grants by Destination NSW to successful applicants is subject to the event owner entering into and abiding by the terms of an event agreement signed by the event owner and Destination NSW (the Event Agreement). The Event Agreement details a range of marketing and other deliverables required by Destination NSW. These include, but are not limited to, a requirement to:
Provide to Destination NSW an updated marketing plan for the expenditure of the Flagship Event Fund grant, in the context of the event’s broader marketing expenditure, before 1 June 2020. The plan must be submitted through the Destination NSW online platform and be approved by Destination NSW in order for the Flagship Event Fund monies to be released Include the NSW Government logo, as supplied by Destination NSW, on all marketing collateral and advertising associated with the event receiving the Flagship Event Fund grant Give Destination NSW the right to approve all marketing and advertising material that includes its logo at the artwork stage prior to printing or publication. Destination NSW requires a minimum of 4 days to review the material for approval Give Destination NSW the right to negotiate the placement, priority & prominence of its logo on event collateral Create, update and maintain an event listing on www.visitnsw.com Offer Destination NSW signage opportunities at the event Offer Destination NSW the opportunity to integrate messaging into the event’s social media and digital channels Include destination content on the event website
Provide progress reports on the delivery of the event, including its marketing activities, to Destination NSW upon request at regular intervals and in accordance with the Event Agreement Submit a detailed post-event report and financial statement outlining the expenditure of the Flagship Event Fund grant monies and an assessment of the success of the marketing initiatives. The report must be submitted using the Destination NSW online platform within two (2) months of the completion of the event. Failure to submit this evaluation report and financial statement may jeopardise the applicant’s future eligibility for Destination NSW funding.
Events awarded triennial funding will be required to work with Destination NSW to facilitate access to the event for its research company if required to undertake visitor surveys and crowd counting as part of Destination NSW’s in-kind support.
If the event owner does not enter into the Event Agreement or breaches its obligations under the Event Agreement, Destination NSW reserves the right to withhold funding or to claim a refund of any funds already provided in respect of the event.
For more information on the Destination NSW Event Agreement please contact [email protected]
Other Conditions
The following other conditions apply:
Destination NSW may provide additional in-kind marketing support to events funded by the Flagship Event Fund as part of its ongoing marketing activities. Destination NSW will, from time to time, request event information and high resolution imagery and video content to assist with the marketing of Flagship events. A photo brief can be requested from Destination NSW Destination NSW reserves the right, as a condition of funding, to make use of event data for the purposes of market research and evaluation to enable the long-term development of events in New South Wales Successful applicants should retain all records relating to the event, including expenditure, and make them available for audit purposes if required All events financially supported by Destination NSW through the Flagship Event Fund are encouraged to consolidate their financial position through corporate and other support whilst they are part of the Flagship Event Fund An event that receives funding from the Flagship Event Fund is not eligible to receive funding from the Micro Event Fund in the same year By lodging an application, you provide consent for Destination NSW to share your application, information provided by you and your contact details with the Destination Network you are located in. Please consult our Privacy Policy on the management of Privacy - www.destinationnsw.com.au/privacy-policy.
Destination NSW Discretion
Potential applicants should note that:
No funding application is guaranteed to result in funding from Destination NSW No applicant is guaranteed funding to the full amount requested in their application Destination NSW reserves the right to vary the amount of funding at any time Destination NSW reserves the right to vary the terms of Flagship Event Fund funding at any time in particular the awarding of funding in extraordinary and merit awarding circumstances The number and location of events that will be funded by Destination NSW will be determined by Destination NSW at its discretion Funding through the 2020 Flagship Event Fund is available to events taking place between 1 May and 31 December 2020 although Destination NSW reserves the right to vary this as it requires. Following the announcement of events to be funded in the 2020 Flagship Event Fund, no further Flagship Event Fund grants will be available until the 2021 Fund opens.
Important Contacts
Destination NSW Fund Administration
Co-ordinator, Regional Event Fund Aida Hijazi GPO Box 7050 Sydney NSW 2001 P: 02 9931 1431 M: 0419 903 701 E: [email protected]
Manager, Regional Event Development Phil Ventham GPO Box 7050 Sydney NSW 2001 P: 02 9931 1181 M: 0428 385 748 E: [email protected]
Destination NSW Regional Tourism Development
Regional Tourism Development Managers
Destination Networks
Destination Network Contacts- for information on Destination Management Plans, regional tourism strategies and local tourism stakeholders.
Event Listings
Get Connected Team P: 1300 655 077 E: [email protected]
Appendix 1 – Destination Network Boundary Map
The map below shows the boundaries of the six regional Destination Networks based on local Government areas. If an event falls within a Destination Network area it is eligible to apply for a Micro Event Fund grant.
Download a PDF version of Destination Network Map(1,617 kb)
Appendix 2 – Sydney Local Government Areas not eligible for Flagship Program Funding
The table below lists the Local Government areas in Greater Sydney that are not represented by a Destination Network. Events held in these Local Government Areas are not eligible for funding from the three funds within the Regional Flagship Event Program.
Local Government Areas not represented by a Destination Network
Blacktown Botany Bay Burwood Camden Campbelltown Canada Bay Canterbury Bankstown Cumberland
Fairfield Georges River Hills Shire Hornsby Hunters Hill Inner West Ku-ring-gai Lane Cove
Liverpool Mosman North Sydney Northern Beaches Parramatta Randwick Rockdale Ryde
Strathfield Sutherland Sydney Waverley Willoughby Woollahra
Note: This document describes the conditions of participation in the 2020 Flagship Event Fund only. It does not describe the conditions of participation in the Micro Event Fund. Destination NSW is the manager of this program.
Table of Contents
Destination NSW Regional Tourism Strategy The Flagship Event Fund
Objectives General Eligibility Grants Use of Funds Fund Eligibility Fund Criteria Flagship Event Fund – Application Process Application Process The Panel Feedback Event Agreement Other Conditions Destination NSW Discretion Important Contacts at Destination NSW Appendix 1 – Destination Network Boundary Map Appendix 2 – Sydney Local Government Areas
Please read the following conditions carefully. Destination NSW’s assessment panel will allocate funding for the Flagship Event Fund according to the terms in this document.
Destination NSW
The New South Wales (NSW) Government established Destination NSW as a statutory authority in July 2011 to support the growth of the State’s tourism and events sector.
Our Role
Destination NSW is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the visitor economy, with particular focus on driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and Regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions for Sydney and Regional NSW.
Our Vision
To make Sydney and NSW one of the world’s most successful tourism and event destinations.
Our Mission
Is to triple visitor expenditure by 2030 and maximise the benefits of the visitor economy for NSW.
Our Strategic Objectives
The strategic direction for Destination NSW is currently led by the Final Report of the NSW Visitor Economy Taskforce.
Destination NSW’s key strategic objectives are:
Achieve the visitor economy 2030 target Position Sydney and NSW as Australia’s premier tourist and events destination Develop the strongest and most compelling events calendar in Australia Increase industry stakeholder and customer engagement Deliver value in our partnership and co-operative programs Attract and retain the best staff and build staff capacity and capabilities.
Regional Tourism Strategy
In 2015, the Board of Destination NSW was tasked with reviewing the existing model of the State’s Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs). This review recommended the reform of RTOs, the implementation of a new regional tourism model and a redesign of regional visitor economy funding.
On 6 July 2016 the NSW Government announced that 6 new and professionalised regional tourism entities would be established, to be known as Destination Networks (DNs). The DNs have replaced the previous RTO structure and work with Destination NSW to advance the interests of growing tourism in NSW.
The six DNs are:
Destination Riverina Murray Destination Southern NSW (including the Snowy Mountains and the Far South Coast) Destination North Coast (including Lord Howe Island) Destination Country and Outback NSW
Destination Sydney Surrounds North (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter, Penrith and Hawkesbury) Destination Sydney Surrounds South (including the Southern Highlands, Wollongong, the Shoalhaven and Wollondilly).
A map showing the boundaries of the Destination Networks by Local Government Area is provided in Appendix 1.
The core role of the Destination Networks is destination management and, as such, their key responsibilities are industry engagement and industry development, product development, training and education, ensuring quality and compliance with funding application guidelines, and collaboration with Destination NSW on industry activities.
In addition, the DNs develop and implement their region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP), in alignment with the NSW State Destination Management Plan, and ensure its alignment with local tourism and other related plans. Please contact the DN’s for all enquiries relating to the DMP.
Destination NSW’s support for the Flagship Event Fund works alongside the strategies that each Destination Network has for the marketing and development of regional tourism.
The Flagship Event Fund
Objective
The Flagship Event Fund, formerly known as the Regional Flagship Events Program, identifies and assists the promotion of events that contribute to the unique character of the tourism regions of NSW and can demonstrate that they attract overnight visitation. The fund is open to events held in Regional NSW that have been running for more than two years and offers grants specifically to support marketing activities aimed at increasing visibility and attracting visitation to the event from outside its local area.
General Eligibility
Only events held in the six Destination Networks are eligible to apply for funding through the Flagship Event Fund. This includes events held in the Sydney metropolitan Local Government Areas of Penrith and Hawkesbury which are part of Destination Sydney Surrounds North, and Wollondilly which is part of Destination Sydney Surrounds South. A map showing the boundaries of the Destination Networks by Local Government Area is provided in Appendix 1.
Events held in Local Government Areas not in a Destination Network are not eligible to apply for funding through the Flagship Event Fund. Local Government Areas not in a Destination Network are listed in Appendix 2.
Events held in areas on the border between NSW and another State must prove, as part of their application, that at least 80% of the event’s activity is physically based in NSW to be eligible for funding from the Flagship Event Fund, or that at least 50% of its economic benefit flows to NSW.
A single event may not receive funding from more than one Destination NSW regional event funding program in the same year. For example, an event may only receive a grant from either the 2020 Flagship Event Fund or the 2020 Micro Event Fund, but not both. Where an event applies to more than one fund, Destination NSW will determine at its absolute discretion the most appropriate funding program for the event and assess the application accordingly.
The following event types are not eligible to apply for funding from the Flagship Event Fund:
Regular (e.g.: weekly, monthly or held multiple times a year) community events such as markets, bazaars, sports meets (home/away games, local tournaments), club gatherings (RSL, Rotary, Chambers of Commerce etc.), classes and workshops One-off events that are not planned to continue after a single year, such as anniversary celebrations, concerts, exhibitions and theatre seasons. This includes annual events whose location changes each year, or events that are not guaranteed to remain in a specific destination for the long-term Events that have a religious ceremony or celebration as the principal focus such as Easter or Christmas celebrations or the similar festivals of other religions. Events held over religious holiday weekends will be considered if the religious festival is not the focus of the event (eg: food or music festivals) Community public holiday celebrations such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Queen’s Birthday if the holiday is the primary focus. Events held on public holidays will be considered if the holiday is not the focus (eg: food or music festival) Event series such as sporting events held in multiple locations across the year Extension activities or satellite events of already existing events. Only the parent event will be considered Touring events such as concert tours, circuses and fun fairs Promotional events where the marketing of a product is the principal objective Events whose overnight visitor impact is not immediate ie: that promote visitation to a destination at a later date Business events such as trade shows, exhibitions, conferences and industry meetings. Consumer events that include a business event as an extension event may be considered if the consumer event is the primary purpose of the event. Please click here for information on Destination NSW’s business events programs. Events owned and/or operated by an agency or entity of the Federal Government, or a State or Territory Government including New South Wales.
All applicants to the Flagship Event Fund must be the event owner (i.e.: own the rights to the event and have the relevant approvals for the event), must be financially solvent, must be a sole trader, company, incorporated association, or trust entity and have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Destination Networks are unable to apply for funding from this program.
Grants
The Flagship Event Fund offers two grants:
Annual grants of $20,000 (excl. GST); or Triennial grants of $27,500 (excl. GST) in cash and $2,500 (excl. GST) in value-in-kind research services per year, guaranteed for three years.
Grant monies must be spent on marketing initiatives that encourage overnight visitation from outside the region in which the event is occurring.
Use of Funds
The event marketing activities that will be supported by Destination NSW’s Flagship Event Fund must:
a. Be directed at specific domestic and/or international markets outside the immediate Local Government Area of the event; and
b. Aim to increase tourism business by influencing visitors’ intention to travel to, and stay overnight in, the region and/or to extend their length of stay.
Funding will only be made available to enhance marketing and promotion to assist existing events build visitation from outside the event’s local area. Funding is not intended to replace previous or other event funding.
Flagship Event Fund grants must be expended on marketing and promotional costs, including but not limited to:
Advertising or promotional costs Brand design PR activities Website development Social or digital marketing Cooperative marketing activities Photography or videography Visitor research.
All visual communication materials (advertising, fliers, posters, image gallery etc.) must be of an appropriately high, professional standard. If required, grant monies should be used to achieve this standard.
Flagship Event Fund monies must not be used for:
Event infrastructure costs Event staff costs and salaries Event staff travel or other travel expenses General and other administration costs For performer / artist fees or travel expenses Local Council fees and other service costs As prize money, gifts or contributions to charitable groups. (Where some event proceeds go to charity, evidence will be required to show adequate funds are retained for the ongoing operation of the event).
Fund Eligibility
The 2020 Flagship Event Fund is only available to events that start between 1 May 2020 and 31 December 2020.
Events held in January, February, March or April 2020 are not eligible to apply.
To be eligible to receive funding through the Flagship Event Fund:
The event must have been held at least twice prior to receiving a grant. For the avoidance of doubt, Flagship Event funding will only be offered to events being held for the third or more time in the year of funding The event must be held in one of the six regional NSW Destination Networks’ geographical areas The event must have a minimum of 80% of its activities physically based in NSW The event must not receive funding from another Destination NSW regional event funding program in the same year The event owner must be a sole trader, company, incorporated association, or trust entity The event owner must hold public liability insurance The event owner must not have debts to the NSW Government The event owner must hold an Australian Business Number The event owner agrees to enter into a contract for funding with Destination NSW.
Potential applicants should also note that:
A single event may receive an Annual grant a maximum of three times A single event may receive a Triennial grant only once An event will only be considered for a Triennial grant once it has received three Annual grants. Events that have already received three Annual grants may only apply for a Triennial grant Events that have previously received Triennial funding under the Flagship Event Fund (or former Regional Flagship Events Program) are not eligible to receive any further funding from the Flagship Event Fund.
All applicants to the Flagship Event Fund must be the event owner (i.e.: own the rights to the event and have the relevant approvals for the event), and must be financially solvent.
Destination Networks are unable to apply for funding from this program.
Fund Criteria
To be considered for funding from the Flagship Event Fund, an event must demonstrate that they sufficiently meet the following fund criteria:
Key criteria:
Define the character and culture of their local area Attract overnight visitation from outside the event’s Local Government Area Have a well-developed marketing plan aimed at delivering incremental audience growth with defined target audiences and measurable objectives Demonstrate clear strategies for measuring and evaluating visitation and the visitor experience.
Secondary criteria:
Contribute to local and/or regional tourism strategies and align with relevant Destination Management Plans Demonstrate engagement with the local tourism industry with a view to building partnerships that drive visitation Have a well-structured and organised event management committee or company with access to operational and marketing expertise and the ability to handle issues such as public liability and insurance matters. The event must demonstrate that it has adequate public liability insurance and other relevant insurance cover Have the support of the local Council Demonstrate sound financial management and the ability to budget appropriately Have a capacity to grow and be sustainable without Government funding Take place outside the peak tourism period for the area ie: during the off-peak or shoulder seasons.
To be awarded a Triennial grant, an application must score highly against the Key Criteria. The assessment panel must be convinced that the event attracts strong overnight visitation measured through robust methodologies, has a clear capacity to continue to grow overnight visitation, and has marketing strategies to deliver this growth.
Flagship Event Fund – Application Process
Application Process
Grants in the 2020 Flagship Event Fund will be allocated in a single round for events taking place between 1 May and 31 December 2020 Events held in January, February, March or April 2020 are not eligible to apply to the 2020 Flagship Event Fund An application to the Flagship Event Fund is a single-stage process consisting of a long-form, on-line application form (Application Form) responding to a series of questions that address the fund criteria. Strong applications require robust data and supporting information The Application Form includes multiple opportunities to upload supplementary information in support of the application and applicants are encouraged to do so All applications for grants from the 2020 Flagship Event Fund must be submitted through the Destination NSW on-line application platform and be received by Destination NSW no later than the closing date. Application Forms received after this date will not be accepted Application Forms sent via email, post or fax will not be accepted Applications for the 2020 Flagship Event Fund open on Friday 21 February 2020 and must be received by Destination NSW no later than midnight (Sydney Time) on Wednesday 25 March 2020. Applications received after this date and time will not be accepted Applicants are encouraged to start their applications early during the application period to ensure they are completed in good time before the closing date. Destination NSW is not responsible for delays to the submission of applications caused by technology, connection or other issues outside of its control Receipt of Application Forms will be acknowledged by email following submission. If an acknowledgment email is not received following submission, please contact the Regional Event Fund Coordinator on 02 9931 1431 or email [email protected] All Application Forms will be assessed by a panel made up of representatives from Destination NSW. Based on the assessments, the panel will recommend the events to receive funding in 2020 If an application is unsuccessful the applicant will be informed in writing Successful applications will be announced by the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney where the amount of the grant will be disclosed to the public and media. Successful applicants will receive a letter of notification following this announcement.
The Panel
Applications for Flagship Event Fund grants are assessed by a panel convened by Destination NSW (the Panel) and consisting of representatives with experience in events and regional tourism.
The Panel will make its recommendations for which events should receive Flagship Event Fund grants according to the following principles of the fund:
The fund is a co-operative arrangement between Destination NSW and the regional event The fund is a Destination NSW financial sponsorship program that supports the promotion of selected regional events to achieve tourism outcomes of benefit to Regional NSW The fund seeks to assist the promotion of those events that expressly contribute to the unique identity of the tourism regions of the State, and that demonstrate the potential to act as ‘flagships’ for those regions It is the aim of Destination NSW, but not a certainty, that at least one event will be supported in each of the six Destination Network regions, subject to the quality of the applications received Receipt of a Flagship Event Fund grant in a previous year is no indication that a current application will be successful. The Panel will make its recommendations for 2020 funding based on the merits of the event’s application for that year.
Destination NSW reserves the right not to award funding in any region if the applications are of insufficient merit in the opinion of the Panel.
Feedback
Applicants will have the opportunity to contact Destination NSW to receive feedback on their applications following assessment but should note that:
Information provided by Destination NSW is a guide only and is prepared in good faith. Destination NSW has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of presentation Feedback is supplied based on the information provided to Destination NSW. Destination NSW does not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy, suitability, reliability, currency or completeness of any feedback provided Destination NSW cannot promise any results or benefits from an applicant’s participation in feedback. All applicants are responsible for determining any further investigations, information and consideration that might be required It is the applicant and the event management’s responsibility to decide, based on their full knowledge and understanding of their business situation, how relevant the information is. Destination NSW recommends seeking independent professional advice (legal, financial or otherwise) Destination NSW is not liable for any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by the applicant on any feedback and information provided. No guarantees are made of any particular outcome if an applicant chooses to rely on the feedback.
Event Agreement
The provision of Flagship Event Fund grants by Destination NSW to successful applicants is subject to the event owner entering into and abiding by the terms of an event agreement signed by the event owner and Destination NSW (the Event Agreement). The Event Agreement details a range of marketing and other deliverables required by Destination NSW. These include, but are not limited to, a requirement to:
Provide to Destination NSW an updated marketing plan for the expenditure of the Flagship Event Fund grant, in the context of the event’s broader marketing expenditure, before 1 June 2020. The plan must be submitted through the Destination NSW online platform and be approved by Destination NSW in order for the Flagship Event Fund monies to be released Include the NSW Government logo, as supplied by Destination NSW, on all marketing collateral and advertising associated with the event receiving the Flagship Event Fund grant Give Destination NSW the right to approve all marketing and advertising material that includes its logo at the artwork stage prior to printing or publication. Destination NSW requires a minimum of 4 days to review the material for approval Give Destination NSW the right to negotiate the placement, priority & prominence of its logo on event collateral Create, update and maintain an event listing on www.visitnsw.com Offer Destination NSW signage opportunities at the event Offer Destination NSW the opportunity to integrate messaging into the event’s social media and digital channels Include destination content on the event website
Provide progress reports on the delivery of the event, including its marketing activities, to Destination NSW upon request at regular intervals and in accordance with the Event Agreement Submit a detailed post-event report and financial statement outlining the expenditure of the Flagship Event Fund grant monies and an assessment of the success of the marketing initiatives. The report must be submitted using the Destination NSW online platform within two (2) months of the completion of the event. Failure to submit this evaluation report and financial statement may jeopardise the applicant’s future eligibility for Destination NSW funding.
Events awarded triennial funding will be required to work with Destination NSW to facilitate access to the event for its research company if required to undertake visitor surveys and crowd counting as part of Destination NSW’s in-kind support.
If the event owner does not enter into the Event Agreement or breaches its obligations under the Event Agreement, Destination NSW reserves the right to withhold funding or to claim a refund of any funds already provided in respect of the event.
For more information on the Destination NSW Event Agreement please contact [email protected]
Other Conditions
The following other conditions apply:
Destination NSW may provide additional in-kind marketing support to events funded by the Flagship Event Fund as part of its ongoing marketing activities. Destination NSW will, from time to time, request event information and high resolution imagery and video content to assist with the marketing of Flagship events. A photo brief can be requested from Destination NSW Destination NSW reserves the right, as a condition of funding, to make use of event data for the purposes of market research and evaluation to enable the long-term development of events in New South Wales Successful applicants should retain all records relating to the event, including expenditure, and make them available for audit purposes if required All events financially supported by Destination NSW through the Flagship Event Fund are encouraged to consolidate their financial position through corporate and other support whilst they are part of the Flagship Event Fund An event that receives funding from the Flagship Event Fund is not eligible to receive funding from the Micro Event Fund in the same year By lodging an application, you provide consent for Destination NSW to share your application, information provided by you and your contact details with the Destination Network you are located in. Please consult our Privacy Policy on the management of Privacy - www.destinationnsw.com.au/privacy-policy.
Destination NSW Discretion
Potential applicants should note that:
No funding application is guaranteed to result in funding from Destination NSW No applicant is guaranteed funding to the full amount requested in their application Destination NSW reserves the right to vary the amount of funding at any time Destination NSW reserves the right to vary the terms of Flagship Event Fund funding at any time in particular the awarding of funding in extraordinary and merit awarding circumstances The number and location of events that will be funded by Destination NSW will be determined by Destination NSW at its discretion Funding through the 2020 Flagship Event Fund is available to events taking place between 1 May and 31 December 2020 although Destination NSW reserves the right to vary this as it requires. Following the announcement of events to be funded in the 2020 Flagship Event Fund, no further Flagship Event Fund grants will be available until the 2021 Fund opens.
Important Contacts
Destination NSW Fund Administration
Co-ordinator, Regional Event Fund Aida Hijazi GPO Box 7050 Sydney NSW 2001 P: 02 9931 1431 M: 0419 903 701 E: [email protected]
Manager, Regional Event Development Phil Ventham GPO Box 7050 Sydney NSW 2001 P: 02 9931 1181 M: 0428 385 748 E: [email protected]
Destination NSW Regional Tourism Development
Regional Tourism Development Managers
Destination Networks
Destination Network Contacts- for information on Destination Management Plans, regional tourism strategies and local tourism stakeholders.
Event Listings
Get Connected Team P: 1300 655 077 E: [email protected]
Appendix 1 – Destination Network Boundary Map
The map below shows the boundaries of the six regional Destination Networks based on local Government areas. If an event falls within a Destination Network area it is eligible to apply for a Micro Event Fund grant.
Download a PDF version of Destination Network Map(1,617 kb)
Appendix 2 – Sydney Local Government Areas not eligible for Flagship Program Funding
The table below lists the Local Government areas in Greater Sydney that are not represented by a Destination Network. Events held in these Local Government Areas are not eligible for funding from the three funds within the Regional Flagship Event Program.
Local Government Areas not represented by a Destination Network
Blacktown Botany Bay Burwood Camden Campbelltown Canada Bay Canterbury Bankstown Cumberland
Fairfield Georges River Hills Shire Hornsby Hunters Hill Inner West Ku-ring-gai Lane Cove
Liverpool Mosman North Sydney Northern Beaches Parramatta Randwick Rockdale Ryde
Strathfield Sutherland Sydney Waverley Willoughby Woollahra