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Tom McIntosh announces $175,000 Victorian government funding support for South Gippsland 2 major events in 2025

The Victorian government is funding two major South Gippsland events in 2025, with $30,000 for the Southern Lights Festival and $175,000 for Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland, boosting local tourism and businesses.

By news@gippsland - 28th February 2025 - Back to News

The Victorian Government is supporting two more major events in South Gippsland in 2025. Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh visited Korumburra this week to tell Friends of Coal Creek Volunteer Kevin Crook about $30,000 in funding for the Southern Lights Festival at Korumburra, held from June 7-22 this year.

Tom McIntosh announced $175,000 for Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland, a three-day event showcasing local food, drinks, and producers from October 17-19

Celebrate Gippsland's flavours

Mr McIntosh also announced $175,000 for South Gippsland Shire's new three day Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland event scheduled between October 17-19. Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland will showcase local food and drink offerings, with local producers holding a feature event on the Saturday of the event.

The Eat, Drink day event will centre around locals and tourists tasting and sampling local products, while engaging directly with the makers. High profile music acts will play at the same festival site as part of the Play night event.

The Southern Lights Festival will have its third event, after starting in Korumburra in 2019 - with a First Nations Stories of Place interactive installation taking centre stage for one day only. Live music and children's activities will also be running at the same time. The site will be open every night, so locals and visitors can view the art experience, with immersive light and sound installations.

Supporting local events

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "The Southern Lights Festival has been a wonderful event when it's been held previously, selling out in 2023, and this support will allow it to go ahead again this year in June. Local businesses will also benefit from the increased tourism for both of these events."

Southern Lights Festival Event Organiser Shirley Arestias said, "We're extremely excited to have received the funding, it will ensure we can continue to go ahead and hold our 2025 event. We're looking forward to holding the event and welcoming visitors from all across Victoria."

Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com