Events to boost community spirit and visitation in drought affected regions

Horse trail rides, rodeos, cultural performances, wine festivals and more events supported by the $400,000 Drought Relief Regional Event Fund will trigger visitation to South Australia’s drought-affected communities from this weekend.

Beloved events are supported by the Fund, such as the Streaky Sounds Music Festival - a family-friendly, open-air music festival held each year in Eyre Peninsula’s Streaky Bay – and the 71st Carrieton Rodeo New Years Eve Bash in Flinders Ranges & Outback.

In the spirit of collaboration, the Outback Revival will work with the City of Prospect to entice Adelaide residents into the Flinders Ranges for a regional music and community event held in Cradock.

This weekend The Skilly Valley Way makes it easy to enjoy some of the Clare Valley's most loved venues, while the Jamestown Show brings people together in the Flinders Ranges & Outback for competitions, rides, animals, and live music.

Communities in the Eyre Peninsula and Limestone Coast will host events leveraging one of the world’s most renowned festivals, the Adelaide Fringe. A street party in Naracoorte will offer a world-class lineup of live performances and local food stalls in February as part of the open-access festival, before ‘Immersive Worlds – The Dome’ produced by the Adelaide Fringe will see a cutting-edge 10-metre projection dome displayed in Eyre Peninsula in April.

Delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission, the Drought Relief Regional Event Fund provides financial support to regional events which engage community, foster connection, drive visitation, and support resilience in areas hardest impacted by drought.

Funding is being used to both market and deliver events, including engaging local suppliers, contractors and businesses to support primary producers, marketing costs to increase awareness and visitation, and employing short term specialised personnel to facilitate the event.

Events supported by the Drought Relief Regional Event Fund:

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Attributable to Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison

The events supported by our $400,000 Drought Relief Regional Event Fund will deliver in the aim to bring together communities doing it tough, while attracting visitors to our drought-affected regions.

There truly is something for everyone across these events – from rodeos in our Outback and artistic showcases in our coastal regions, to festivals celebrating our world-renowned wine regions.

Supported events begin this weekend, so now is the time to get out and enjoy the best of our tourism regions while providing needed support.

Attributable to Damian Carter, CEO District Council of Streaky Bay

With support from the Drought Relief Regional Event Fund, Streaky Sounds is able to deliver a more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful event for the Streaky Bay and Eyre Peninsula region.

With grant funding, we’re able to offer free children’s entertainment, invest in local artists, and improve festival infrastructure, making the event more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable. This funding helps ensure the festival remains a key economic driver, while also easing financial pressures on local families and creatives affected by ongoing drought conditions.

Amidst drought and environmental challenges like the algae bloom, Streaky Sounds provides much needed relief, connection, and a boost to community spirit. The event draws visitors from across the state, injecting life into local tourism.

Visitors can look forward to a 12-hour program of live music, local food and drink, free kids’ activities, and stunning coastal views, it’s a showcase of what makes Streaky Bay special. With nationally recognised acts, emerging local artists, and a strong focus on Eyre Peninsula talent and produce, Streaky Sounds is a destination event with deep community roots.

Not only does it give locals the chance to experience a high-quality festival without having to travel 700 kilometres to Adelaide, it also creates real opportunities for small businesses and helps diversify the local economy. It’s about celebrating who we are, right here at home.