Northern Rivers councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver events and activities for young people during the Summer and Autumn 2024/2025 school holidays under the NSW Government’s Holiday Break program.

Applications are now open for the popular program, which has funded everything from science exhibitions and song writing classes to virtual reality tournaments and surfing clinics for young people.

Funding of up to $10,000 to facilitate activities in the Summer and Autumn school holidays will be available to all 93 regional councils and other eligible organisations to cover the cost of running youth events during the school breaks.

The funding can be used to support a wide range of activities, including sport or performing arts activities, movie nights, and DJ workshops.

Funding applications for Summer and Autumn 2024/2025 are open now until 22 September 2024.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Director of Regional Youth Julia Ryan said the Holiday Break program provides young people in regional NSW the opportunity to connect, socialise, learn new skills and have fun during the school holidays.

“The breadth of the programs that are delivered during school holidays ensures there’s something to spark the interest of every young person, whether it’s honing skills they already have or exploring an entirely new hobby,” Ms Ryan said.

“We’ve seen it deliver everything from workshops teaching Aboriginal culture and connection to country, laser tag and boxing lessons to football clinics, visual arts workshops and STEM challenges.

“We’re also removing barriers to entry for eligible organisations applying for funding for both the Summer and Autumn holiday periods with a single application, making it a quicker and smoother process for all applicants.

“I encourage anyone who’s got a great idea for a school holiday activity to get in touch with your local council or not-for-profit organisation to see if that idea can be made a reality.”

To find out more and for program guidelines, visit www.nsw.gov.au/holidaybreak.