Event Bid Fund EOI

The Rottnest Island Event Bid Fund aims to support events that will increase the number and diversity of visitors by providing experiences that reflect, sustain, and preserve the island’s unique location, environment, and cultural heritage.

The fund is intended to support new unique multi-day events in their first year, that attract positive media coverage, support island businesses, and increase visitor numbers during low and shoulder seasons (May-October).

Applications have closed.

For more information on the fund, application and assessment process, download the Event Bid Fund Guidelines (PDF 0.48MB).

Other useful documents and links

Events on Rottnest Island

Example Event Licence Agreement (PDF 419KB)

Standard Grants Sample Agreement (PDF 174KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Rottnest Island Event Bid Fund?

    The Rottnest Island Event Bid Fund aims to support events that will increase the number and diversity of visitors by providing experiences that reflect, sustain, and preserve the Island’s unique location, environment, and cultural heritage.

    The fund is intended to support new unique multi-day events in their first year, that attract positive media coverage, support island businesses, and increase visitor numbers during low and shoulder seasons (May-October).

  • Who can apply for funding?

    Experienced event organisers, cultural and arts organisations, and sporting bodies with a good track record of staging successful events are eligible to apply.

  • What types of events can be funded?

    Events should be new, unique, and iconic, with the potential to grow over the years. They should span at least two days, attract a minimum of 6,000 people to the island, and involve sports, arts, music and culture activations.

    Events must be carried out over the months of May to October 2024 and May to June 2025.

  • What types of events are not eligible for funding?

    Applications will be deemed ineligible if the proposed event:

    - Has religious or political affiliations. 
    - Is be held in school holidays.
    - Is to be held between November and April. 
    - Has an adverse effect on public health, safety, the environment, and heritage.
    - Events that negatively impact on or detract from experiences of existing users
    - Is managed by a Commonwealth, State, or Territory government agency or body (including government business enterprises). 


    Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is a Class A Reserve. RIA undertakes environmental and event assessments before approving events.

  • How much funding is available?

    Individual grants of between $50,000 to $100,000 will be available to successful applicants. The Event Bid Fund will provide up to 50% of the event's total expenditure budget, up to a maximum of $100,000 per event.

  • How can I apply for funding?

    Applications were available via an Expression of Interest (EOI) published on Tenders WA. Applications have now closed.

  • What are the criteria?

    Applications will be assessed against the extent to which the event can demonstrate strong alignment with the following criteria:

    - Is the event exclusively designed for Rottnest Island, to attract new visitors to the island?
    - Is the event an Aboriginal cultural event, acknowledging the Whadjuk Noongar people?
    - How will the event mitigate any identified impacts on the environment on the island?
    - How will access to Event Bid Funding help elevate/ improve/develop the event, and promote Rottnest Island through media and other platforms?
    - What opportunities are there for island businesses to capitalise on, or partner with the event?

  • How can I find out more about the Event Bid Fund or discuss my proposed event?

    If you have any questions, please contact RIA Events on events@rottnestisland.com

  • How will events get selected?

    - The Event Bid Fund EOI opened in May 2023. 
    - Event Bid Fund applications closed at 2:30 pm AWST on 19 July 2023. 
    - Applications will be assessed by RIA to determine if they may be deemed eligible to be suitable for Rottnest Island. 
    - Applications will then be assessed, reviewed and proceed through approvals.
    - Successful and unsuccessful applicants with be notified, before a public announcement is made.
    - Once the Licence Agreement and the Standard Grants Agreement are signed, the event can be promoted.