MEDIA RELEASE | DESTINATION NSW AWARDS $90,000 FLAGSHIP EVENT FUNDING
Published on 13 July 2026
DESTINATION NSW AWARDS $90,000 FLAGSHIP EVENT FUNDING TO THE GRENFELL HENRY LAWSON FESTIVAL
The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts has received a major boost, with Destination NSW awarding $90,000 over three years through its Regional Event Fund – Flagship Event Stream, recognising the festival as one of New South Wales’ premier regional events and supporting its continued growth. The Funding Amount must be expended on costs that enhance the marketing and promotion of the festival.
The funding was officially celebrated in Grenfell on Friday 10 July 2026, where representatives from government, tourism and the local community gathered to mark the announcement.
Those attending included Steph Cooke Member for Cootamundra, Sean Haylan, General Manager Destination Central West, Mayor Paul Best, Matthew Sykes, General Manager Weddin Shire Council, Henry Lawson Festival President
Belinda Power, members of the Henry Lawson Festival Committee, community supporters and Weddin Shire Councillors.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding reflected the festival's reputation as one of regional NSW's premier cultural events.
“The Henry Lawson Festival is one of the great success stories of regional NSW, so this funding commitment is fantastic news for Grenfell and our wider electorate,” Ms Cooke said.
“Just as importantly, it is recognition of the tremendous work undertaken by the festival committee and volunteers, who continue to deliver an event that attracts visitors from across the state and showcases the very best of our region.”
“This investment recognises the festival's growing appeal and provides valuable support for organisers as they continue to strengthen and expand the event into the future.”
Henry Lawson Festival President Belinda Power said the funding was a landmark achievement for both the festival and the Grenfell community.
“This investment by Destination NSW is wonderful recognition of the Henry Lawson Festival and the important role it plays in regional tourism, our local economy and our community. It provides the certainty to build on our success, grow our audience and continue showcasing Grenfell and The Henry Lawson Festival of Arts.”
“This funding is an investment in our volunteers, our businesses and our community. It will allow us to expand our marketing, attract more visitors from across Australia and ensure the festival continues to flourish for many years to come.”
Mayor Best expressed his congratulations to the Henry Lawson Festival Committee on the successful application for the NSW Government Regional Event grant funding. The Henry Lawson Festival is a big draw card and tourist event for our region and this additional funding will enable the festival to grow and provide opportunities to reach outside our Local Government Area to encourage businesses and visitors to come to our Shire on the June long weekend. I appreciate the Government and in particular Destination NSW for providing grant funding opportunities and I am very happy that a rural volunteer committee has been successful in obtaining the funding.
Belinda Power thanked Destination NSW for its confidence in the festival and acknowledged the contribution of everyone involved in achieving the successful outcome.
“This is a proud day for Grenfell and the Weddin Shire. I’d like to sincerely thank Destination NSW, Destination Central West, Weddin Shire Council, our Festival Committee, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and the wider community. This funding reflects years of hard work and a shared vision for the future of the Henry Lawson Festival.”
Mr Sean Haylan said this funding was wonderful for the Henry Lawson Festival and is very much excited to watch as the festival grows over the next three years, continuing to encourage travellers to the Central West region.
The funding will support marketing and promotional initiatives designed to increase visitation from outside the region, further strengthening Grenfell’s visitor economy while celebrating the enduring legacy of Henry Lawson.
The Henry Lawson Festival of Arts will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027, with the Destination NSW funding helping ensure the festival continues to grow.
Matthew Sykes
GENERAL MANAGER
13 July 2026
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For further information, please contact:
Weddin Shire Council | (02) 6343 1212 | mail@weddin.nsw.gov.au