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The Victorian Government has stepped up to provide $20 million in support to events businesses in the state that were impacted by the May-June 2021 COVID-19 restrictions on the sector.
New support grants are up for grabs as part of the Victorian Events Support Package, designed to support the industry that was suddenly closed down due to the state's most recent lockdown.
The package delivers grants in five areas and is part of more than $500 million allocated by the state government to businesses over the past two weeks.
The Sustainable Events Business Program provides payments of up to $250,000 to major event organisers, hosts and suppliers who have had the ongoing viability of their event or business significantly affected during the restrictions that began in late May.
Successful applicants must have most of their operations in Victoria and have experienced a minimum 50 per cent decline in annual turnover in the three months prior to 27 May 2021 compared with the same period in 2019.
They will also have a payroll of more than $3 million in metropolitan Melbourne or $500,000 in regional Victoria.
The Impacted Public Events Support Program will deliver grants of $25,000 to event organisers and $10,000 to suppliers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 events - events with crowds above 1,001 people - that have incurred costs as a direct result of the recent public health restrictions.
Victoria's cinemas will benefit from the Independent Cinemas Support Program, which provides eligible independent operators required to close due to restrictions with a payment of $12,000 per cinema venue.
Producers of live performance events are eligible for up to $7,000 under the Live Performance Support Program - Presenters. Suppliers to live performance events are eligible for up to $500 per event, with a maximum of four events, under the Live Performance Support Program - Suppliers.
Promoters, venues, producers and artists who promote their own shows are eligible to apply for the Live Performance Support Programs, along with contracted suppliers such as artists, performers, technicians and other crew members.
Applications for the grants will open shortly at business.vic.gov.au/events-support.
Updated at 12.06pm AEST on 15 June 2021.
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