Chamber Chat - By Mary Brown, President of Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism

Funding Opportunity Opens for Hinchinbrook Events

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Hinchinbrook event organisers have a new opportunity to secure funding to grow local events, attract visitors and deliver greater economic benefits to the region.

The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism Inc. is encouraging local event organisers to explore the newly opened Homegrown Round 2, 2026 funding program, delivered as part of the Queensland Government's Destination 2045 tourism strategy.

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The program provides grants of between $15,000 and $100,000 across four funding streams, supporting Queensland events that have the potential to attract visitors, generate overnight stays and strengthen local economies.

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For a region such as Hinchinbrook, where community events play an important role in bringing people into our towns and showcasing what the region has to offer, funding opportunities such as Homegrown can provide valuable support for event growth.

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Funding can be used for activities including out-of-region marketing, program enhancements, accessibility and sustainability initiatives, as well as specialist support to help events increase their tourism impact.

The Queensland Government invested $1.17 million through the first round of Homegrown funding in 2026, supporting 21 events that are anticipated to generate more than $90 million for the Queensland economy.

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The second round builds on this investment, with eligible events taking place between April 2027 and June 2028 able to apply.

The Hinchinbrook Chamber sees the program as an opportunity for local organisers to think beyond simply staging an event and consider how events can contribute to the broader visitor economy.

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Well-promoted events can encourage visitors to stay longer, dine locally, shop locally and explore other attractions throughout the Hinchinbrook region. This creates flow-on benefits for accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, retailers, tourism operators and other local businesses.

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The Chamber also recognises the important role that events, community festivals, sporting events, markets and cultural activities can play in positioning Hinchinbrook as a destination for many and diverse visitors.

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Well planned and delivered events are not only about what happens on the day. They provide an opportunity to tell the story of our region, showcase local talent and businesses, encourage visitation and build reasons for visitors to return.

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The Chamber encourages eligible local event organisers to investigate the Homegrown program and consider whether funding could assist in taking their event to the next level.

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Applications for Homegrown Round 2, 2026 close Tuesday 6th October 2026, with funding available for eligible events held from April 2027 to June 2028.

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For Hinchinbrook, continued investment in events means continued investment in our visitor economy, our local businesses and the vibrancy of our communities.

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For more information visit teq.queensland.com. 

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