New Festival Fund Lights Up Our Winter Economy
Tasmania’s North West will light up during the off-season in a new region-wide series of events celebrating its iconic sites and history.
Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan, said the first recipients of the Tasmanian Government’s $5 million Tasmanian Festival and Event Support Fund have been announced, with regions set to be showcased throughout the winter and shoulder seasons.
“We know events are incredibly important to Tasmania’s economy, particularly in the off-season,” Minister Duigan said.
“Not only do they attract visitors to Tasmania, we know that they also significantly boost the tourism and hospitality sectors in every corner of our State.
“The Fund is designed to support more local events and festivals, driving visitation right around Tasmania and strengthening the Tasmanian economy during the shoulder season and winter months.”
This is exactly what one of the first recipients of the Fund, the inaugural Illuminate the North West, will do.
Minister Duigan said Illuminate the North West received $415,000 from the Fund and will feature immersive light projections, bringing five iconic sites in Queenstown, Strahan, Wynyard, Penguin, and King Island to life.
“I look forward to seeing the North West region light up. This event will undoubtedly be a huge drawcard for visitors to the region during our off season,” Minister Duigan said.
“The Fund will also support a range of other diverse events including the Bangor Music in the Vines, Strait Link Burnie 10, Tasmanian Craft Fair, Ten Days on the Island, and The Unconformity.”
This fund is part of a broader $27.8 million initiative to support tourism, hospitality and events affected by delays in the arrival of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
Amy Hills CEO of the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania said events provided a reason for people to travel to Tasmania.
“Whether that be for mass sporting events or unique events like the Unconformity,” Ms Hills said.
“Importantly, they provide a reason for our visitors to travel to the regions but also for Tasmanians to travel around their own state supporting local businesses and jobs.
“Following the news of the delay in the new Spirits, the industry’s focus has been on how to increase visitation into the regions which were due to benefit from the increased capacity to be delivered through the new vessels.
“Regional events are one way to do that and focussing on the winter and shoulder seasons is critical.”
Gabriella Conti CEO of West by North West welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s support, emphasising the festival’s impact on the region’s events industry.
“We want to thank the Government for investing in this incredible initiative,” Ms Conti said.
“For 2025 this event is a pilot program, this funding will be used to build a sustainable event model including commissioning an artist, purchasing equipment, and develop event processes to ensure Illuminate the North West is not just a one off event but a long term fixture on Tasmania’s events calendar being pushed out into more North West locations.
“Already tourism operators have started work on their complimentary offering with long table dinners, winter solstice swims, music in the caves with a digeridoo amongst many others.”
Illuminate the North West will run from 1 May to 31 August 2025 featuring a calendar of events across the region.
https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2025/march/new-festival-fund-lights-up-our-winter-economy