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The NSW Government is offering funding to local governments to run COVIDSafe events, activities or experiences to enliven local public spaces this summer.

Councils will be able to access $10,000 from the Festival of Place Summer Fun(d) program to be used to host outdoor markets, micro-festivals, open-air theatre, street parties, lawn libraries and street entertainment.

Introducing the $1.3 million program, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrotett stated "this funding was allocated in the 2020-21 NSW Budget to support councils with events and ideas to draw people back to their local public spaces in order to stimulate the economy.

“Local businesses need our support to recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19 and this funding helps them create environments and experiences that encourage people to stay and spend local.”

Advising that said the fund will help Councils deliver free activities such as innovative lighting displays, outdoor markets, micro-festivals, open-air theatre, street parties, lawn libraries and street entertainment, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes added "the Summer Fun(d) program will help councils hold fun, COVIDSafe events and create opportunities for people to connect after a challenging year.

“We’ve already seen how our public space programs such as Streets as Shared Spaces and Your High Street have restored confidence and helped to lift local business activity.

“This $10,000 in addition to the relaxation of planning rules for alfresco dining and local events, will give councils the tools they need to attract people to come out, shop locally, and enjoy our magnificent summer weather.”

Explaining that the program aims to support Council and community efforts to drive a locally led economic recovery, NSW Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock concluded "local governments work incredibly hard to create vibrant public spaces and support their local artists, performers and businesses that rely on outdoor spaces and events, and we are pleased to fund additional events and activations over summer.”

Councils can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with a simple online form, in December or January, to boost events over Christmas and during summer.

Click here for more information about the program.

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