NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions for the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program.

What has changed with the Holiday Break Program?

The NSW Government’s Holiday Break program is now being delivered in a new streamlined half-yearly model, with Winter and Spring 2024 grouped together. These changes mean applicants can plan for their school holiday activities and promote their activities to communities well in advance.

Does this change how I apply for funding?

Yes, it does. Applicants can apply to deliver activities in Winter and/or Spring via an application after the relevant opening date. Successful applicants will receive one funding agreement that covers the two school holiday periods.

Can I just apply for one school holiday period?

Yes, you can, but it’s important to keep in mind that there will not be an individual round offered for Spring 2024.

How much funding am I eligible for?

Grants of up to $7,000 are available per organisation for Winter and Spring Holiday Break 2024.

Additionally, to create more opportunities for young people in remote and very remote NSW to attend social and recreational events, $3,000 per round, per organisation, is also available to fund suppliers to travel to these regions to run activities.

These funds will be in addition to the $7,000 limit per holiday period. Conditions apply on who is eligible for travel loading and will be published in the guidelines.

Which councils are eligible to apply?

See full list of eligible regional councils (PDF 127.82KB).

Do we have longer to apply given it’s for two holiday periods?

Yes, we have increased the application open window.

What is the closing date for applications?

Applications for Winter and Spring Holiday Break 2024 are now closed.

How do I submit an application for funding?

Applicants can complete and submit a proposal using the SmartyGrants portal.

Applications will be assessed as submissions are received, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

What activities can be funded?

New or enhanced social or recreational activities, events, services or programs for young people aged 12-24 years during the Winter and Spring 2024 school holidays.

Examples of eligible activities:

youth concerts and music events
sports and recreational activities
creative and cultural activities
dance / disco events
art and theatre workshops
outdoor activities
sporting and sight-seeing activities
science, technology and gaming activities.

When do activities need to be delivered?

Winter activities are to be delivered between Saturday 6 July and Sunday 21 July 2024.

Spring activities are to be delivered between Saturday 28 September and Sunday 13 October 2024.

How will funding be allocated?

Applications will be time stamped and assessed in the order they are received. The department will allocate funding to eligible projects that will be delivered to priority youth, before funding other eligible projects.

Information on priority groups and how applications will be assessed will be published in the guidelines.

How long does it take to receive funding?

Successful applicants will receive a notification via email and will be required to upload a signed funding agreement via SmartyGrants.

Successful Applicants will be required to provide all supporting documentation and approvals before the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development can enter into a funding agreement. This includes an eligible tax invoice, Insurance and Landowners Consent (if applicable).

Due to high volumes of funding agreements, requests are considered in order of receipt. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their funding agreement within 14 days.

Funding may be received after program delivery.

Should my invoice be inclusive or exclusive of GST?

Invoices from local councils should be exclusive of GST.

Invoices from not-for-profits can include GST.

What do I do if the scope of activities changes between application and completion?

Successful applicants will be responsible for delivering activities in accordance with the funding agreement. Applicants are permitted to reschedule the dates of planned activities within the half yearly funding agreement, provided all activities are delivered within the school holiday period and prior to the last day of the half yearly school holiday period. Funding cannot be extended (or ‘rolled over’) from one half yearly holiday period to another.

For more information please contact the Office for Regional Youth at regionalyouth@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Can I deliver activities outside of the school holidays?

Activities must be delivered during the Winter and Spring 2024 school holidays.

Why isn’t my council eligible for funding?

Councils within the Greater Sydney Area, Newcastle LGA and Wollongong LGA are ineligible for funding as they are outside of the program scope.

How do I include reference to NSW Government support in media and promotions?

The ‘proudly supported by NSW Government’ logo is available in the guidelines. Further queries regarding media opportunities can be referred to media@regional.nsw.gov.au.

I am having difficulty signing my funding agreement, what can I do?

Funding agreements can be signed by authorised staff who have delegation at the council/organisation. The funding agreement can be electronically signed as a legal document. Funding agreements are not required to be witnessed.