Community & Business
19 May, 2022
Funding changing for some community events
Funding from Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) for different community events in the Region could be increased or decreased following an endorsement to change to TRC’s Core Community Event Program funding model.
During May’s Ordinary Meeting, Council endorsed a change to the way community events are funded with a move towards a competitive funding model over the next three years which would see 14 events across the Region become eligible for greater funding.
Under the new funding model, Nobby Carols in the Park, organised by Nobby Hall Committee, which has been receiving $1,000 could see an increase of up to $1,500.
This event gets 200 attendees.
The Cambooya Community Christmas Party, hosted by Cambooya Hall, which gets 300 attendees has been receiving $2,000.
Under the new arrangement, the funding will be decreased to up to $1,500.
Notably, the list of events still includes the Westbrook Family Fun Day despite the group that organised it, Westbrook Focus Group, folding.
TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Councillor James O’Shea said events would be categorised based on patronage and eligible funding would reflect the size of each event.
“Events across the Toowoomba Region will fall into three categories, major, regional and community with funding eligibility based on the size of the event which gives greater consistency to our event funding model,” Cr O’Shea said.
“TRC identified that the previous funding model did not provide an equitable opportunity for funding for all regional and community events.
“The level of support and funding varied greatly and this new approach gives consistency to TRC’s event support model.”
Cr O’Shea said the transition of core community events to competitive funding will encourage self-sufficiency, sustainability and funding compliance allowing for equitable opportunities for all events in regional townships.
“The current allocation to Regional Core Community Events totals $35,505,” he said.
“Under the competitive Event Support Grant Program those same events would be eligible for up to $79,500.
“This is a positive move towards making these community events more self-sufficient into the future.
“TRC will continue to support a vibrant regional events calendar each year as these events enhance the liveability of our Region and help to foster community spirit and pride.”
Event organisers of eligible organisations will have the opportunity to apply for funding twice annually, with grant programs to run in February and July each year.
