More events to boost Melbourne’s economy and jobs

A bumper line-up of events across Greater Melbourne will attract more visitors, boost employment, and support local businesses.

As part of the Small and Medium Events Program, 122 event organisers have been approved to share in almost $3 million funding to deliver events between 1 June and 31 December 2023.

Building on the significant success of Victoria’s blockbuster major events calendar, the program is supporting the delivery of a vast array of smaller creative, cultural and community sporting events across Greater Melbourne.

It is strengthening local communities by attracting more visitors to experience the best Melbourne’s suburbs have to offer. It is also helping create ongoing jobs across the industry and connecting organisers with local businesses and suppliers.

Reclink Australia received a $50,000 boost to support the Melbourne Community Cup on Sunday 18 June at Abbotsford’s Victoria Park. Celebrating 30 years, the annual charity football match continues to showcase the best of Victoria’s live music scene, while supporting the work Reclink does for Australia’s most disadvantaged.

Muslim festival SalamFest will also benefit from $50,000 to help stage the annual event, which celebrates the contemporary Islamic arts, culture, food and spiritual traditions.

Hosted from 1 to 4 December in Broadmeadows, the three-day event will feature an extraordinary line-up including Sufi artists and whirling dervishes, meditation sessions, stand-up comedy, films and plenty of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

For a list of events visit: Small and Medium Events Program grant recipients.