Outback events receive funding boost to aid flood recovery

Flood recovery efforts are kicking up the dust in Outback Queensland, with the Australian and Queensland Governments committing more than $282,000 in funding for 15 local events.

Supporting communities impacted by the 2025 Western Queensland floods, the Western Queensland Events Boost Fund aims to increase tourism and stimulate regional economies in nine flood-affected Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Eligible LGAs include Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton.

Delivered through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of the broader $2.14 million Western Queensland recovery program, the funding will help event organisers strengthen their programs.

Initiatives supported by the funding include expanded event schedules, marketing campaigns, additional performers, improved production and specialist media support.

Events remain critical to regional economic recovery by driving visitation, supporting businesses, and boosting community confidence.

Events supported by the Western Queensland Events Boost Fund, part of the jointly funded Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, include:

• Music in the Mulga and Shearer’s Shindig in Bulloo 
• Betoota Outback Desert Muster and the Betoota Races in Diamantina 
• Longreach Show and the Longreach Flyer’s Ball in Longreach
• Wings on the Warrego in Murweh 
• Outback River Lights Festival, Stars of Charlotte Plains, and the Yowah Opal Festival in Paroo 
• Easter in Eromanga in Quilpie
• Dustarena Long Weekend and the Vision Splendid in Winton
• Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail to be held in Diamantina, Boulia, Winton and Barcoo 
• Festival of Outback Opera to be held in Longreach and Winton. 

For more information, visit www.teq.queensland.com