General News
8 August, 2026
Cash boost for festivals and events
THE Koroit Irish Festival and Port Fairy Marathon are just two of more than 20 events that will share in almost $150,000 of funding through Moyne Shire’s 2026/27 Festival and Event Funding Program.
Moyne Shire Council will invest almost $150,000 in 21 festivals and events across the municipality, supporting a calendar of activities that collectively help drive millions of dollars into the local economy.
At a recent council meeting, councillors approved $149,600 through the 2026/27 Festival and Event Funding Program, providing support for a diverse range of community, cultural, sporting and tourism events across the shire.
The funding comes as new economic impact data highlights the significant value of events to Moyne communities.
In 2025, events across the shire generated an estimated $22.1 million in economic output, supported 92 jobs, attracted more than 105,000 attendances across 103 events, and generated an additional 31 cents of economic activity for every dollar spent at events.
Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said the figures demonstrated that events were much more than entertainment.
“Events play such a vital role in our communities. They bring our people together, attract visitors, support local businesses and create economic opportunities across the shire, but most importantly create phenomenal long-lasting memories,” Cr Lockett said.
“From large-scale festivals that draw thousands of visitors to smaller community celebrations that strengthen local connections, these events help showcase everything that makes Moyne such a great place to live, play and visit.
“It’s not just our opinion either. Port Fairy was ranked by Australian Traveller in May 2026 as the number one town in Australia for festivals and events, and the top town in Victoria to visit.”
Cr Lockett said the strong response to this year’s funding program reflected the passion and commitment of the shire’s community organisations and volunteers.
“We received 21 applications seeking more than $175,000, highlighting both the demand for support and the incredible range of events on offer across Moyne,” he said.
Cr Lockett said council was pleased to support a mix of long-established events and new initiatives.
“Popular events such as the Koroit Irish Festival, Moyneyana Festival, Port Fairy Marathon, Koroit Truck Show, Spring Music Festival and Port Fairy Jazz Festival continue to be important drawcards for our region, delivering significant economic and community benefits.
“It’s also exciting to welcome the Macarthur Pool 60th anniversary celebration as a first-time funding recipient.
“These events are only possible because of the dedication of volunteers and community groups, and we’re really pleased to support their efforts through this program.”
Funding was awarded following an assessment process against criteria including economic impact, community engagement, need for funds, retention and reinvestment, and the overall quality of applications.
Among those events to receive grants were:
• Moyneyana Festival $15,000.
• Winter Weekends $14,500.
• Koroit Irish Festival $13,000.
• Port Fairy Jazz Festival $11,000.
• Port Fairy Marathon $11,000.
• Spring Music Festival $11,000.
• Koroit Truck Show $9,000.
• Lake School of Celtic Song and Dance $9,000.
• Port Fairy Agricultural Show $8,000.
• Port Fairy Literary Weekend $6,200.
• Koroit Sheepdog Trials $6,000.
• Koroit New Year’s Eve $6,000.
• Koroit Show and Field Days $5,500.
• Picnic in the Paddock (Koroit Primary School) $3,500.
• Port Fairy Women’s Weekend $1,500.
• Panmure ANZAC Day $1,500.
• Port Fairy Messiah $500.
