Central Coast Council is welcoming Expressions of Interest (EOI) from prospective event management organisations, individuals and local businesses interested in delivering events and initiatives aimed at reconnecting Central Coast communities.

Following the announcement of the NSW State Government Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program, Council is looking to apply for $335,000 from this pool of funds to aid the delivery of community events across the region and is calling for local businesses and organisations to help support this application.

Open from today until Sunday 5 June, Council’s EOI will allow local event organisers to put forward their event concepts that further enhance local events calendars and provide renewed chances for residents and visitors of the Central Coast to come together. 

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the funding will be split between Council’s flagship events and local event organisers with big ideas for the Central Coast.

“Council is thrilled at the prospect of this grant funding boost, which will help provide local businesses the opportunity to connect with the wider community,” Ms Smith said. 

“If our grant application is successful, we plan to apply $135,000 to Council’s flagship events such as ChromeFest, Central Coast Music Festival, Love Lanes and more, with the remaining fund of up to $200,000 made available for application through the EOI process.

“Council will be honoured to offer local event organisers the opportunity to help boost the Central Coast’s calendar of events for the community, especially after the social and economic impact covid has had on communities across the country.

“If we’re successful in receiving the funding, not only will we be able to help contribute to the enhancement of our region’s liveability, but we will also be giving a much-needed boost to our local tourism and economy by attracting more people to the Coast with these events.”

The funding is conditional on Central Coast Council being successful in receiving this grant from NSW State Government, with funding offered for successful events or activations ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Applications can include one event or a series of events.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is determined to enhance opportunities for local businesses that work to genuinely connect communities.

“We are hopeful Council’s successful application for the grant funding will see big ideas from interested event organisers come to fruition,” Mr Hart said.

“We encourage all interested community members or local event organisers to submit an EOI to get involved and help deliver engaging events with memorable experiences for the Central Coast community.”

To be eligible, EOIs will need to make sure their event is open to all members of the public, is held before 31 March 2023 and has a primary purpose of reconnecting communities and improving social cohesion of the local community.

For more information on the EOI process and opportunities, or to submit an application, visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eoi

ENDS