Festivals and events to benefit under $150,000 funding pool

FESTIVAL and event planners will have access to a funding pool of $150,000 to put towards community shows and music opportunities in the Ballina region.

It is part of the Festival and Event Support Program run by Ballina Shire Council, with funds available for the next financial year.

“Local events and festivals are essential for connecting and uniting our community, bringing positive social and economic benefits that enrich our region,” Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader said.

“Given the time and effort required to plan these events, it is important we confirm this funding for event organisers well ahead of the 2026/27 financial year.

The program has sponsored a range of successful events over a 15-year period.

The events include the Alstonville New Year’s Eve Family Festival, which has gathered momentum with big crowds in recent years.

The Love Lennox Festival started with support from the council, which is still heavily involved in running the event highlighting hospitality venues across the region.

Sport has also benefited, with the Fair Go skateboarding competition event and the Skullcandy Oz Grom Open, which attracts junior surfers from across the world being funded.

Applicants need to hold adequate public liability insurance, festival/event costs must be more than $20,000, and the festival/event must be held in the Ballina Shire.

Applications will be considered at the December 2025 council meeting, with organisers to know the outcome of their application by early January.

For application forms and funding information, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/FestivalEvents.