Destination 2045 delivers more events across Queensland

• The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its Destination 2045 commitment to support a strong pipeline of events with applications now open for Homegrown Round 2, 2026. 
• Grants of between $15,000 and $100,000 are available across four funding streams for Queensland events that attract visitors and boost the local economy.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy, with its Destination 2045 plan supporting more events after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to back more events across Queensland, with funding now available through Destination 2045 to support community events that attract visitors and strengthen local economies. 

Applications are now open for Homegrown Round 2 2026, with grants of between $15,000 and $100,000 available to support uniquely Queensland events that drive visitation, generate overnight stays and deliver lasting benefits for local communities. 

Through four funding streams, including Destination Significant, Destination Signature, Destination Indigenous and Destination Kickstarter, the program is helping event organisers grow their tourism impact and bring more visitors to Queensland. 

The Crisafulli Government invested $1.17 million to support 21 events through Homegrown Round 1 2026, which are anticipated to inject more than $90 million into the State's economy.  

Building on that success, funding is now available through Round 2. 

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

While the Crisafulli Government is investing in more events and more opportunities for Queensland communities through Destination 2045, the former Labor Government's secret plan would have slashed tourism funding by 95 per cent, putting jobs, businesses and events at risk across the State. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Homegrown was helping deliver the Crisafulli Government's vision for a stronger, more sustainable visitor economy.  

“We said we would deliver more events for Queensland, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Minister Powell said. 

"We're delivering on our commitment through Destination 2045 to grow Queensland's events calendar and ensure communities right across the State benefit from a stronger visitor economy. 

“More visitors to community events in our regions mean more customers through the door, more overnight stays and more opportunities for local businesses. 

“While the former Labor Government planned to cut tourism funding, we're investing in the events that support local jobs, strengthen regional economies and showcase the very best of Queensland.” 

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said the program was designed to help event organisers strengthen their offerings and maximise their tourism impact.   

“Homegrown is about giving Queensland event organisers and communities the support they need to reach new audiences and attract more visitors from outside their region,” Mr Davidson said. 

“We know building a successful event takes time, strong partnerships and the right support, and this program helps organisers invest in areas that can make a real difference to their events. 

“Whether it’s strengthening marketing, enhancing the event program or improving accessibility and sustainability, we want to help organisers build events that keep visitors coming back year after year.” 

Applications for Homegrown Round 2 2026 are now open for eligible events to be held between April 2027 and June 2028. 

Applications close Tuesday 6 October 2026. 

For more information visit teq.queensland.com. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker, 0406 331 114