Local events that have already cancelled this year due to the pandemic include Old Bar Beach Festival, Run Fest Forster Tuncurry and the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri, Stroud Rodeo and Killabakh Day in the Country.

"Council's resolution to provide sponsorship is an important one for event organisers," said MidCoast Council's Manager of Growth, Economic Development and Tourism, Deb Tuckerman.

"Any of these event organisers who make the tough decision to cancel their event due to COVID-19 will know council will carry over sponsorship funds to the same event if held within 12 months.

"We hope this will provide some peace of mind and reassure organisers of council's support."

This round of sponsorship allocations saw almost $100,000 going to 29 events over three different categories.

"Events, regardless of their size, all contribute to the vibrancy of our area and bring important economic, social and cultural outcomes.

"It's important council does what it can to support events in our region particularly when we move more into the recovery phase post pandemic," Deb added.

Councillors also voted unanimously to donate $9900 to the Taree and District Eisteddfod Society, another prominent and important local event that could not go ahead this year.

Applications for the sponsorship for events to be held from February 1 to July 31 2021 will open on August 1 2020.

To find out more about council's event sponsorship head to the website https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-Funding.

Council resolved to review event sponsorship commencing in September with the intent being to advertise and adopt a new policy so that it will become operational for events scheduled from August 1 2021.

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