EP Tourism Talk - August 2021

A message from your new RDAEP Eyre Peninsula Tourism Development Manager: 

"It’s been six weeks since I first arrived in Port Lincoln and walked through the doors at RDAEP. With every location visited and every new conversation I have, I am increasingly excited and proud to join the Eyre Peninsula tourism industry. 

The 234,937sq km of unique and diverse landscapes provides a spectacular canvas for travellers to traverse, but I realise it’s the 11 councils, 52 communities and 585 tourism businesses that work so diligently to make the EP experience so memorable for visitors. Its not been an easy time for our tourism industry, and while we continue to support each other (my door is always open), sometimes we need a little extra support. Details of personal wellbeing programs developed with the tourism industry in mind, are included below. 

The recent announcement by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) regarding the return of the Great State Vouchers (Round 5 & 6) provides fresh optimism for our industry, as we continue to entice South Aussie's to the EP. Also announced were the latest recipients of the Tourism Industry Development Fund (TIDF), which to-date has allocated over $11 million of funding for the State and almost $1million for EP tourism businesses. Its exciting to see development in the region that will continue to enhance the visitor experience. 

If you haven’t already, feel free to join the Eyre Peninsula Tourism Network Facebook group which includes regular tourism updates. Have a good week. I look forward to meeting you soon."

Annabelle 

Funding Opportunities

See the RDAEP website for a list of funding opportunities.

Tourism Industry Development Fund (TIDF):

To date $11 million of the TIDF been allocated, with 7 EP businesses sharing almost $1 million in funding. Congratulations The Greenly Carriage, Fowlers Bay Caravan park, Australian Wildlife Adventures, Marina Hotel and Apartments, Deco Beach house and the Eyre Hotel who were successful in their TIDF application. Read more

Grants range from $20,000 to $500,000 with a maximum of 30 per cent State Government funding committed to the total project value. The $20 million fund runs until 31 March 2022 or until all funds have been allocated. 

If you are considering an application and have final building approvals in place, you are encouraged to submit your TIDF application as soon as possible. Feel free to contact RDAEP for a letter of support. 

Treasury - Business Support Package

The SA Department of Treasury and Finance announced a $100M Business Support Grant for both employing and non-employing small businesses in South Australia. 

Applications for the grant open soon via the Treasury website and grants will be processed as quickly as possible. It is recommended that you pre-register your interest for the grant. Questions can be directed to smallbusinessgrant@sa.gov.au

Regional Event Fund

Congratulations to Tunarama, @ The Bay and Colour Tumby Street Art Festival, A Celebration of Seafood @Streaky Bay, Cleve Music Festival and Rodeo by the Sea, who were successful in their application for the SATC Regional Event Fund. Read More.  

Round 2 of the Regional Event Fund is now open and will accept applications until 30 September 2021. Funding from Round 2 will support events held between November 2021 and 30 August 2022. It is hoped successful applicants from Round 2 will be announced in early November.

The Regional Event Fund web page includes  guidelines, FAQ's and online application form.

Great State Voucher

Introducing the Great State Voucher - Round 5 & 6. Read More. 

Round Five will provide $100 and $200 vouchers for use on participating hosted tours and experiences across the state. It will launch in September for travel during the spring, including the school holidays.

Round Six will follow, in October, and will include $50 vouchers to spend on regional accommodation.

http://www.southaustralia.com/voucher

Personal Wellbeing

ATEC & Beyond Blue Restart Ready Tutorials

During August ATEC is hosting a series of tutorials in collaboration with Beyond Blue. Restart Ready introduces tourism businesses to a free and confidential mental health coaching program developed by Beyond Blue that provides support to small business owners who are experiencing challenges. More info

Ahead for Business

Ahead for business is a digital hub which supports mentally healthy businesses. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the Ahead for Business digital hub was developed with and for small business. It provides tailored resources, peer support, check-ups and personalised action plans and showcases the experiences of small business owners through podcasts, videos, blogs and case studies. More Info

Beyond Blue

Situations like this current pandemic are tough reminders that you don't always have control over outside and significant influences on your life and business. This can significantly affect your mental health and wellbeing, translate to the rest of your work and impact on your family and friends. Check out some steps offered by Beyond Blue you can take to look after and manage your wellbeing during these challenging times. SA Health has information about the mental health impacts of COVID-19 including where to get support if you need it, while the Australian Government's Head to Health crisis page has useful contacts.

I look forward to meeting you out and about across the Eyre Peninsula, but feel free to get in touch in the meantime.

Annabelle Hender
Tourism Development Manager
Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula
Email: annabelle.hender@rdaep.org.au
Phone: 08 8682 6028
Mobile: 0423 778 242

Check us out on Social Media:
Eyre Peninsula Australia’s Seafood Frontier
Eyre Peninsula Tourism Network (Industry group)
@eyrepeninsula