From beer to volleyball: seven drawcard events funded

SEVEN significant local events will share more than $82,000 under the latest round of funding announced through the City of Ballarat’s Tourism Events Grant Program.

The funding aims to help attract visitors, boost the local economy, and reinforce Ballarat’s reputation for hosting high-quality cultural, sporting, and industry gatherings.

The seven diverse events are the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association State Planning Conference, Volleyball Ballarat Skins Tournament, the disc sports Golden City Classic, the Obsidian Dark Beer Festival, the Red Series wine event, Poco Film Festival, and Buninyong’s Smart Living Expo.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the variety and quality of the funded events should draw visitors and boost the local economy.

“These events play a valuable role in bringing people into Ballarat,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“When visitors come here, they stay in our accommodation, support local businesses and spend time exploring the city.

“That’s a direct benefit to our local economy.”

The next round of applications under the program are set to open in February.

Funding amounts of between $5000 and $20,000 will be available across three funding streams including leisure events, sporting events, and business events.

Event organisers who have proposals to deliver compelling, sustainable event experiences that attract visitors to Ballarat are encouraged to apply.

More information is available on the City of Ballarat website.