The Northern Territory is gearing up for a robust year of events, with 39 events to receive $2.4 million through the Northern Territory Government’s Event Funding Program (EFP), administered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).
Categories of funding include community, event development, mass participation and major event, with 25 of the events were granted multi-year deals, providing organisers the ability to better plan for the future.
NTMEC head of events and operations, Coryn Huddy, said the EFP plays an important role in bolstering the Territory’s events industry, which attracts visitors, upskills workers and secures the Territory as a must-do events destination.
“We are proud to support this program, and recognise the value it contributes to the NT from an economic and social standpoint. The Territory’s events calendar boasts a plethora of incredible festivals and events, and we are thrilled to see the calendar grow year on year,” Huddy said.
Events are an important contributor to the Territory economy, with independent research showing just 22 supported events that took place in 2021-2022 delivered a gross expenditure stimulus of $39.8 million to the Territory, plus a whopping 110,194 visitor nights. These included the Darwin Fringe, Chariots of Thunder, Katherine Ultra, Alice Springs Beanie Festival and Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta. In total, NTMEC supported around 70 events during this time.
Exciting new funded events include the Big Name, No Blankets NT Community Tour – a touring rock-and-roll theatre show which celebrates the iconic Warumpi Band’s inspiring journey from the remote NT community of Papunya to international fame – and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s Rhythm of the 90s concert, taking place at the Darwin Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre, 24 June.
Darwin Symphony Orchestra general manager Kate Stephens said the team was delighted to receive support through the EFP for the amphitheatre concerts over the next three years.
“This funding allows us to continue bringing this much-loved event to life, and further enhance the audience experience for Territorians and visitors alike,” Stephens said.
“The concert gives thousands of Territorians access to a world-class concert presentation in the beautiful setting of the Darwin Botanic Gardens. This family-friendly and accessible event is entry by donation, and we encourage everybody to come together and enjoy a night of entertainment.”
Fan favourite events such as Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, Katherine Junk Festival, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series and the Barunga Festival have again received funding and will draw in thousands of locals and tourists across the high and low seasons.
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