Crucial Funding Awarded To Local Events

After facing near closure in 2024 due to funding challenges, the Great Barrier Reef Festival has been awarded funding as part of the government’s Destination 2045 strategy.

The initiative aims to secure Queensland as the events capital of the country, awarding nearly $2 million across 40 events spanning 12 destinations between June 2026 and June 2027. The fund is expected to deliver more than $213 million in economic benefit and more than 887,000 visitor nights.

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said  “Events draw visitors into our regions, fill hotels, boost local businesses and showcase everything that makes Queensland an unbeatable place to visit. Through this latest round of the Homegrown program, we are delivering real economic and social benefits for communities right across the state.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said Queensland’s events portfolio continued to grow in strength and diversity.   
“It’s great to see the variety of new events along with the return of some much-loved favourites in this latest round of funding. We welcome all travellers, whether they’re a sport or foodie fanatic, music fan or art lover, to immerse themselves in our culture and experience the very best events and experiences, right here in Queensland,” he said.

“Whether it’s the Birdsville Big Red Bash, the Abbey Medieval Festival in Brisbane or the Australian UFO Festival in the State’s north, we encourage everyone to get amongst it!” 

Chairperson of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Margie Murphy, says the team are “very excited to be recognised as an event that draws tourists to the area”, and that the funds will go toward digital marketing to spread the word and bring more people to the festival.

With funding now secured from various sources for the 2026 festival, Margie is calling out for new people to get involved, whether that be by bringing new ideas to freshen up the programme or getting on board to volunteer. To get involved, visit: www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au

‍

The Great Barrier Reef Festival lives on. Photo supplied.

‍