Grants of up to $60,000 over three years are now being considered for major regional tourism events. Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis is encouraging festival organisers to apply for their fair share of funding. “The NSW Government’s 2016 Regional Flagship Events Program supports events that attract visitors – like food, sports and music festivals.” Mr Gulaptis said the program supported this year’s Curryfest at Woolgoolga and the Coffs Harbour Running Festival and suggested that events like Grafton’s Jacaranda Festival or Yamba’s Surfing the Coldstream Festival could be supported by the program. “The funding could also support events like Casino Beef Week or the Grafton Jacaranda Festival.” Expressions of interest for the 2016 Regional Flagship Events Program are open until Sunday September 6. Applicants whose expressions of interest sufficiently meet the program criteria will be invited to make full submissions later this year. For further information on the program or to lodge an expression of interest, visit: www.destinationnsw.com.au/rfep.