Hi all, Hope the long weekend is being kind after those ridiculous storms we experienced last week. Good to see the power back on and sun out today. Tomorrow is looking even better.Just a quick heads up that the Victorian Government have announced the $20 million Regional Events Fund (REF).  The fund, administered by Visit Victoria, was included in the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan and will deliver grants to ensure a successful return for events in 2022. Applications opened today.    Grants will be available to assist successful applicants with marketing costs, resourcing, operational outlays and to assist the industry to recover following the impacts of the global pandemic. The REF allows event organisers to apply for funding with endorsement from Daylesford Macedon Tourism.There are three streams available:

Applications must go through Daylesford Macedon Tourism for consultation and then final endorsement. Consultation with DMT will help to determine the tourism strength of the proposed activity and alignment to the regional tourism brand attributes. This consultation must take place prior to submitting a REF proposal for it to be considered.  All event applications will take up to six months to process so nothing can be held prior to March 2022. Applications will usually be notified in or before February 2022. Well timed for Autumn. Click here for information and guidelines on the Regional Events Fund.A new Community Event Fund has also been introduced with Visit Victoria managing the process on behalf of Regional Development Victoria. This is a Community Events Fund with grants up to $25K available. This fund also opened today with information here on the application process and guidelines.Community Event Fund applications can be made direct without the need for DMT or council endorsement. The soonest these events can occur is February 2022. Be quick for this one as applications close at the end of November.  Best wishes,  Paul and the DMT teamActing CEO – DMT