The Victorian Government has released more details about the $20 million Victorian Events Support Package, announced two weeks ago during the state-wide lockdown.
Event organisers, hosts, suppliers and producers will soon be able to apply for the funding, which is designed to support the industry through the ongoing impact of the May-June lockdown restrictions.
Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the government is backing the events sector and its workers.
“Event organisers have done it tough and they deserve this across-the-board support – from big companies with dozens of workers to individual contractors it will provide critical cash injections when they are needed most,” he said.
The Victorian Events Support Package will be delivered in five parts.
The Sustainable Events Business Program provides payments of up to $250,000 to major event organisers, hosts and suppliers who have had the ongoing viability of their event or business significantly affected due to the restrictions that began in late May.
To be eligible, applicants must have most of their operations in Victoria, and have experienced a minimum 50 per cent decline in annual turnover in the three months prior to 27 May 2021 compared with the same period in 2019.
They must also have a payroll of more than $3 million in metropolitan Melbourne or $500,000 in regional Victoria.
The Impacted Public Events Support Program will offer grants for organisers and suppliers of events with more than 1,001 attendees that have incurred costs as a direct result of the restrictions.
Event organisers will be able to access grants of $25,000, while suppliers can access $10,000.
The Live Performance Support Program – Presenters offers up to $7,000 for producers of live performance events, while suppliers to live performance events are eligible for up to $500 per event, with a maximum of four events, under the Live Performance Support Program – Suppliers.
Promoters, venues, producers and artists who promote their own shows are eligible to apply for the Live Performance Support Programs, along with contracted suppliers such as artists, performers, technicians and other crew members.
Finally, independent Victorian cinemas can apply for a payment of $12,000 per cinema venue under the Independent Cinemas Support Program.
Applications are expected to open soon. Until then, event professionals can find more eligibility details online or by contacting the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.
