City of Newcastle Councillors will next week vote on a proposal to boost the City’s annual major events budget from $450,000 to up to $2 million.
The Council says its investment in major events has already injected more than $2.5 million into the local economy during the first two months of 2025.
Almost 13,000 people, including more than 8,000 visitors from outside of Newcastle, flocked to Foreshore Park for the first Howlin’ Country music festival event last weekend, delivering a $1.6 million economic boost to the city.
Council Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones said major events support significant visitation, investment and liveability outcomes.
“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting, retaining and delivering events that provide immediate and ongoing benefits for the community and economy,” Ms Jones said.
“This includes millions of dollars in direct expenditure alongside a range of associated benefits, from increased destination awareness and repeat tourism, to flow-on supply chain expenditure, skills development, capacity building, knowledge sharing and support for local jobs.”
She said the strong start to 2025 follows on from a successful 2024, which saw 26 Council-supported events deliver an $18 million economic boost, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, 53,000 day visitors, and 73,000 accommodation (bed) nights.
Since 2022, more than half a million people have also injected around $65 million into the Newcastle economy thanks to a partnership between the Council and Venues NSW, which secured top tier live music and sporting events including Elton John, Paul McCartney and the 2024 Women’s State of Origin match at McDonald Jones Stadium.
This will be boosted further by the upcoming Wallabies, Wallaroos and Matildas matches, as well as the Women’s State of Origin and NRLW Magic Round, which are all expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the city.
Ms Jones said the Council has delivered on its ambition become a premier tourism and events destination, which is a key pillar of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan.
“However, with increasing competition between Australian cities, regions and states to host major events, we are seeking an endorsement by the Council up to $2 million of investment annually through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program,” Ms Jones said.
“This level of investment would enable us to pitch for major events that will drive economic impact, increased visitation and showcase Newcastle as a world-class destination.”
