Bellingen’s status as the events capital of the mid north coast has been boosted by a $489,000 grant via the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Program.
Bellingen Shire Council says the funding will make organising local events simpler through the streamlining of event applications, resources to support event organisers, and an upgrade to street power infrastructure.
Bellingen Shire Council Group Leader Community Partnerships, Maxine Compton, said events are woven into the cultural fabric of the Bellingen Shire, from community markets and live music to festivals and creative gatherings.
“The funding will enable Council to review the current event approval processes, planning and approval pathways to streamline how events are assessed, prepare practical toolkits and templates to guide event organisers through the process, and deliver power infrastructure upgrades at key sites across the Shire, so that spaces are event-ready,” said Ms Compton.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Steve Allan said events are deeply rooted in the identity of the Bellingen Shire.
“Events are part of who we are in the Bellingen Shire. They have deep roots here, and our communities — across Bellingen, Dorrigo, Urunga and our villages — are rightly proud of the markets, festivals and gatherings we’re known for,” said Mayor Allan.
“We have a community that genuinely turns out to support its events and its creative sector, and that’s something special. This funding means we can make it easier for organisers to do what they do best, so we can keep bringing our towns to life for everyone to enjoy.”
The Permit/Plug/Play Program is designed to unlock the full potential of local streets as vibrant public spaces by enabling more frequent, cost-effective street events. It forms part of the NSW Government’s Vibrant Streets Package — an over $40 million investment to revitalise streets into thriving local places that support communities, boost local businesses and energise the creative sector.
This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Program. For more information about the Program, please visit the Permit/Plug/Play Program webpage.