Funding to fuel festivals

BYRON Bay International Film Festival, the Old and Gold garage sale extravaganza in Brunswick Heads and the Byron Coastal Charity Walk are among the recipients of Byron Shire Council’s Events and Festival Sponsorship funding for 2025.

A total of six local projects shared $26,000 in grants, which aim to support local events and festivals to have more positive environmental, social and economic outcomes.

Byron Bay International Film Festival, which is held in October, received $5,500 of the funding.

This year will see the return of the Festival’s Youth Schools Program, which introduces young people to screen culture and supports career pathways into film and innovation.

The much-loved Old and Gold Festival, which educates the community about the benefits of recycling and promotes sustainable habits, will receive $3,000.

Another $4,500 will go to the Byron Coastal Charity Walk, which raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The arts and creativity festival Kaleido Mullumbimby will also receive $5,500 to support youth and community engagement.

The money will go towards mentorship programs to promote skill-sharing, inclusivity and community connection and foster involvement in the arts.

The unique Disco Ball event, which celebrates disability pride and community connection, will be the beneficiary of $5,000.

The emerging Heaps Good Open Mic event in Mullumbimby, which showcasing local talent and providing an accessible platform for diverse performers, will also receive $2,500 in funding.

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said there was a significant rise in applications for the 2025 fund, which shows that community events are well and truly back on the calendar.

“In addition to entertaining attendees, many of the scheduled activities will raise money that will be donated to local organisations and charities, which is wonderful to see,” she said.