Deadline Date: February 04, 2026
The Tourism Development Program, supported by the Blayney Shire Council, offers financial assistance to local businesses and not-for-profit entities to strengthen and grow the visitor economy in the region.
The focus areas of the opportunity are to provide financial support to not-for-profit entities and local businesses to host events, execute marketing projects or develop tourism products to grow the visitor economy in the Blayney Shire, with a total annual funding pool of $10,000 and application caps of $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for joint applicants or incorporated associations; funding categories include Event, Marketing and Tourism Product, requiring tourism product proposals to show a market need, ensure accessibility, complete required approvals and promote the product; applications are open to local businesses and incorporated associations in the Blayney Shire, limited to two submissions per year with matching funds or in-kind support; all requests must align with target markets in the Orange Region Destination Management, and projects already supported through the Council’s Financial Assistance Program must show how this program will further increase tourist numbers, length of stay and visitor expenditure.
The program supports events, marketing initiatives and tourism product development that enhance the region’s appeal to visitors. Applicants can apply individually or jointly, with higher caps available for incorporated associations or collaborative submissions involving more than one applicant. Funding above the noted caps may be considered at the discretion of the Council.
Tourism product proposals must clearly show a need or gap within the region’s tourism landscape and ensure strong accessibility for visitors through consistent operating hours and public visibility. Relevant Council approvals or heritage requirements must be completed where applicable. Successful applicants are expected to promote their tourism product through platforms such as press releases, online listings and other communication channels.
Eligible applicants include individuals, partnerships, sole traders, incorporated associations and local businesses operating within the Blayney Shire Local Government Area. Each applicant may submit up to two applications per financial year and must provide matching financial or in-kind contributions to support their project.
All proposed projects must align with the target markets identified in the Orange Region Destination Management framework. Council retains discretion to determine the eligibility of expenses and ensure that supported initiatives contribute directly to enhancing tourist activity and economic impact. Projects that also receive support from Council’s Financial Assistance Program must demonstrate how this program will further help expand tourism outcomes.
For more information, visit Blayney Shire Council.
