Organising an event can be both challenging and rewarding. Our guide is here to support you every step of the way, from your first idea through to event day.

Inside this guide, you will find:

• Practical checklists and considerations
• Clear guidance on Council applications and approvals
• Information for planning road-related events

Ready to get started? Explore the Event Guide and take the first step toward delivering a successful event.

 

If you wish to host an event on Council owned land, please contact the Events team on 02 6660 0300 or events@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

Section68 Event Application: lodged minimum six weeks prior to event

To hold an event on any Council managed land a Section68 Event Application($195) must be lodged here.

The following support documentation must be submitted with the application:

• Site Plan
• Public Liability(minimum $20million)
• Event Application Form
• Risk Assessment.

Should you need templates, please contact Council’s Events Team.

Please note: late documentation may result in the application not being accepted.

Any event on Council-owned land must be booked for via SpacetoCo, our online booking system.

Select the venue, dates, time and include information, and our Bookings Team will be in contact.

Alternatively, you can contact them via 02 6660 0300 or bookings@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

Planning something exciting in the Richmond Valley? We’re here to help bring your event to life.

Richmond Valley Council has updated its Event Support Guidelines and Application process to better support local events and community initiatives.

Whether you’re hosting a festival, community gathering, or major event, you can now access clearer pathways, improved resources, and updated funding opportunities.

Explore the new guidelines here

What’s new?

• Streamlined application process
• Updated eligibility criteria
• Clearer guidance to help you succeed

 

• Two funding streams per financial year
• Suitable for grassroots and community festivals
• Funding from $500 to $5,000 per application

 

For events held from January 1 to June 30, Community Event Support applications are now open. Click here to apply. Applications close COB Wednesday 30 September.

 

✨ Signature Event Investment – CLOSED DUE TO ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

• Annual allocation to support event development
• Suited for larger tourism and visitation driving events
• Funding from $5,001 to $30,000 per application

Signature Event Investment applications are open until allocation is exhausted. Click here to apply.

Please contact events@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au for further information.

How does Council assess funding applications for events?

All applications for event funding are assessed against a weighted evaluation matrix to determine a final score. A well-prepared, high-quality application will achieve a stronger score and increase your chances of securing event funding.

Community Event Support

As part of your application, Council will assess your event against the following criteria:

• Alignment with Council priorities, including community connection, liveability, local identity and cultural celebration (refer to the Community Strategic Plan, Economic Development Strategy and Destination Management Plan)
• Demonstrated benefit to Richmond Valley residents and communities (events must be public and not limited or private access)
• Inclusivity, accessibility and opportunities for broad community participation
• Contribution to community pride, local culture, heritage, First Nations engagement or place activation
• Use of local suppliers, performers, volunteers or community groups
• Activation of a public space, town or village within the Richmond Valley LGA
• Clear planning, including timelines, logistics, compliance and contingency measures appropriate to the scale of the event
• A realistic and balanced budget, with expenditure aligned to event delivery
• Appropriate risk management, including WHS, public liability insurance and required approvals
• Funding request proportional to the expected community outcomes and reach
• A demonstrated pathway for the event to grow, improve or become self-sustaining over time

 

Signature Event Investment

Applications for Signature Event Investment will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Alignment with Council’s visitor economy, economic development and destination-building priorities
• Delivery of broad public and economic benefit across the Richmond Valley
• Clear evidence or a defined strategy to attract visitors from outside the Richmond Valley LGA
• Demonstrated potential to generate overnight stays and increase visitor length of stay
• Ability to attract visitors during shoulder or off-peak periods and/or disperse visitation across the region
• A marketing strategy that reaches audiences beyond the LGA through media, digital and tourism channels
• Estimated economic impact for local businesses, accommodation providers and suppliers
• Engagement of local producers, contractors or key industry sectors (e.g. agriculture, creative industries, hospitality and tourism)
• A comprehensive and credible event management plan covering marketing, operations and risk management
• A realistic budget with diversified funding sources, demonstrating financial viability
• Strong organisational governance, including WHS, licensing and compliance readiness
• Funding request proportional to the expected economic and visitor impact, supported by a clear acquittal and reporting plan
• A clear growth trajectory, including potential for multi-year development and reduced reliance on Council funding

 

We wish you every success with your application and look forward to seeing your event come to life in the Richmond Valley.

Public communications in the lead-up to all events is essential and should be incorporated into the marketing and communications strategy.

Consider messaging, consultation, communication channels and timelines when developing your pre-event marketing plan.

Your plan should include messages that have been approved by and are consistent with relevant stakeholders, such as NSW Police and Council.

Council receives more than 100,000 visits to our social media sites each year. Event listings will appear on both Home – Richmond Valley Council and Discover Richmond Valley – Explore Next Door.

Council also releases an annual Events Calendar at the beginning of each year, which is then edited throughout the year. Once you lock in your event date, contact the Events team via events@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

We recommend to send media releases for event promotion and event listings to media contacts, especially to local outlets including TV, radio and newspapers.

• Heartland Media
• Radio 88.9
• Radio 107.9FM/Casino’s Own Wireless
• Radio 100.9 ZZZFM/ 900 2LM
• NBN Television
• Prime 7
• ABC Radio and television

Please feel free to invite the Mayor to take part in your event, such as competition, presenting prizes or certificates, drawing a raffle or making an opening or closing speech.

Inviting the Mayor to your event is simple. You can email, phone or write your request to us, preferably four weeks before the event.

Contact Julie Clark, Personal Assistant to the General Manager and the Mayor via 02 6660 0300 or julie.clark@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.

Templates

• Event Application Form
• Risk Assessment
• Notice of Intention

Resources

• Event Starter Guide – Premier and Cabinet
• Liquor Licence information
• Destination North Coast
• Waste Wise Events