The Liberal Government will provide $130,000 in additional support for Tasmanians in need and significant cultural events through the new Community Participation and Appeals Fund.
The fund will provide events and charities with secure funding for the first time, with $130,000 to be provided each year across the forward estimates.
The events and appeals include:
• Red Shield Appeal $30,000 per annum
• Heart Foundation Doorknock Appeal $50,000 per annum
• Colony47 Xmas Lunch $3,000 per annum
• Red Cross Calling campaign $7,000 per annum
• Australian Italian, Festa Italia $8,500 per annum
• Greek Community, Estia Festival $13,000 per annum
• Chinese Lunar/Lantern Festival $4,000 per annum
• Hobart Regatta Day Festival $14,000 per annum
In the past these events and appeals have had to seek funding annually, most recently from the Premier’s Discretionary Fund, which for events such as the Hobart Regatta this has meant funding uncertainty year after year since 1990.
By moving regularly-funded appeals and community events into the Community Participation Fund, we are not only providing funding certainty for these worthwhile state appeals and cultural events, allowing organisations to plan for the future, but it also means they will no longer be taking up a significant share of the Premier’s Discretionary Fund.
It also means more funding is now available for other community and cultural organisations to come forward. In particular, smaller cultural festivals that help to celebrate and promote multiculturalism and provide a sense of belonging to those communities.
At the same time, we are currently looking at how events that generate positive community outcomes can be better supported.
Will Hodgman, Premier
