The Department of State and Regional Development partners with local councils, chambers of commerce and incorporated community organisations to conduct community events in regional NSW. Funding is available for eligible events under the CED Program (Population Over 2000) and CED Program (Population Under 2000). Events are an integral part of community economic development (CED) assistance under these programs.

CED event assistance is targeted at new events which have been running less than five years. The aim is to increase professionalism and encourage local business involvement.

Communities can benefit from events economically through direct spending by visitors, income generation and employment. A distinct image and sense of community identity can be created and promoted through events. They can incorporate a variety of experiences using local products, history, arts and food and wine. Events provide opportunities for people to meet and work together, helping create a sense of belonging and social cohesion. This helps strengthen pride in a community and provides opportunities for new experiences, learning and enjoyment.

The Department supports a number of community events in regional NSW through the CED programs. These events will be listed here in the near future. For details of the events, please visit the individual event websites.  For information on other events across NSW, visit www.visitnsw.com.au.

Other activities include the sale of home made jams and crafts, taking in the local sights such as heritage buildings including the railway station which is still operational, Rydal Mount and Rose Cottage. Other points of interest for visitors are the Sculpture garden (local sculptor, Andrew Symons) and Pioneers park, a community venture funded in part through the efforts of the Rydal Village Association.

During the Festival on weekends and during the week visitors are well catered for with morning and afternoon teas, lunches and a variety of other delicacies.

For more information visit http://www.tourism.lithgow.com/events.html

October 09

Surfing The Coldstream Arts/Fringe Festival
Yamba, NSW
23 October to 25 October 2009

Surfing The Coldstream is a three nights/two-day performing/visual arts event held in the small seaside town of Yamba. Surfing The Coldstream involves its whole neighbourhood from young to old in as many different ventures as possible truly making this festival a community minded enterprise.

With exciting and eclectic past programs featuring everything from acrobats to gypsy jazz with snake charmers, country crooners, cheeky comics, muralists, stunning street theatre creatures, carnival drummers, sword swallowers, rock stars and belly dancers all parading their skills and wonders in a friendly village surrounded by national parks, prawn-laden rivers and pristine beaches this is a truly unique family-friendly festival greatly valued by it’s local community.

For more information visit www.surfingthecoldstream.com.au

The Anaconda Adventure Race requires self-sufficiency and a high level of concentration as competitors negotiate dirt trails, rocky coastlines, river crossings, ocean swells, mountain ascents (and descents) and other natural obstacles. Part of the attraction of the sport is the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and experience spectacular National Parks or other wild places.

The Forster event presents a challenging two day format traversing the coast and hinterland between Forster and Seal Rocks. Rugged coastline mixed with crystal clear waters, deep green forests, picturesque lakes and golden beaches all combined into a course capturing some of the best views on Australia’s East Coast. There is also a single day option for individuals and teams.

The event attracts athletes from across Australia and the world.

For details on Anaconda Forster visit www.AnacondaAdventureRace.com