FUNDING BOOST FOR FESTIVAL FUN
Two very different Wagga events have been given a financial boost by the NSW Government’s 2026/27 Regional Event Fund.
The established and highly successful Festival of W has received support under the flagship event stream, while Bidgee Bricks, a creative community event for families, received support under the Incubator Event stream.
The Independent Member for Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, welcomed both funding packages, saying the support will help to deliver artistic and creative activities for the whole community to enjoy.
“As our winter flagship event, Festival of W lights up our winter nights with light and sound experiences, terrific live performances, great food and family fun activities, while Bidgee Bricks brings people together in a celebration of unity with hands on brick-building activities in a creative and inclusive environment,” he said.
“Both are wonderful events that showcase the talent, creativity and welcoming nature of our community and I thank the government for recognising the value of both events with funding to help make them shine.”
The funding forms part of a statewide injection of more than $1.3 million into 56 community events across the state.
Through Destination NSW, grants of up to $50,000 are awarded to support marketing, PR, infrastructure and equipment hire, helping event organisers enhance visitor experiences, increase overnight stays and drive spending in regional areas.
The announcement of the successful recipients follows the release of new Tourism Research Australia data showing regional NSW remains Australia's leading regional visitor destination.
In the year ended March 2026, regional NSW welcomed more than 64 million international and domestic visitors, who injected more than $27 billion into the NSW visitor economy. Regional NSW also led both regional Victoria and regional Queensland on total visits and total nights stayed.
During the period, 61.9 per cent of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035’s expenditure target of $44 billion for regional NSW was achieved. The Strategy, launched last year, aims to drive sustainable growth across the state’s visitor economy, with initiatives such as the Regional Event Fund helping to accelerate progress towards its 2035 targets.
The Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said:
“Regional events encourage visitors to travel further, stay longer and discover new destinations, making them an important driver of the NSW visitor economy.
“The NSW Government has set an ambitious target of achieving $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035, and the Regional Event Fund is helping to unlock that growth by supporting the events and experiences that attract visitors to communities across the state.
“I congratulate all 56 recipients and thank them for their passion and dedication to delivering events that showcase the best of NSW and create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.”
The Festival of W is now under way and continues until 19 July, coiniciding with the school holidays.
Bidgee Bricks will be held at the Wagga RSL on 22 and 23 August.