Horse trail rides, rodeos, music festivals, and cultural showcases are set to bring visitors into some of South Australia’s drought-affected communities as the State Government rolls out its $400,000 Drought Relief Regional Event Fund.
From this weekend, towns across the Eyre Peninsula, Clare Valley, Limestone Coast, and Flinders Ranges will host events designed to draw crowds while lifting community morale. Among them are the Streaky Sounds Music Festival at Streaky Bay, a family-friendly open-air festival on the Eyre Peninsula, and the Carrieton Rodeo New Year’s Eve Bash, which has been running for more than 70 years in the state’s outback.
The program features a mix of long-running community traditions and new initiatives. The Skilly Valley Way invites visitors to enjoy wine, gin, food, and live music across seven Clare Valley venues, while Jamestown Show returns with rides, animals, competitions, and entertainment. In Cradock, the Outback Revival is collaborating with the City of Prospect to attract Adelaide residents to the Flinders Ranges for a one-day music and community event.
The fund also extends to events linked with the Adelaide Fringe. Naracoorte will host a street party featuring Fringe performances and food stalls, while the Eyre Peninsula will welcome “Immersive Worlds – The Dome”, a 10-metre projection dome offering an interactive cultural experience.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the funding was designed to support communities that had been doing it tough. “These events will help bring people together while attracting visitors to our drought-affected regions. From rodeos to wine festivals, there is something for everyone,” she said.
The initiative is managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission and provides financial support for both marketing and delivery. Local contractors, suppliers, and performers are engaged to ensure the economic benefit flows through regional towns. The funding also helps cover costs such as festival infrastructure and short-term event staff.
Community leaders say the support is already making a difference. Damian Carter, CEO of the District Council of Streaky Bay, said the grant has allowed Streaky Sounds to expand its reach and accessibility. “With this funding, we can invest in local artists, provide free children’s entertainment, and improve infrastructure. It eases financial pressures on local families and ensures the festival continues to be a driver for tourism and community connection,” he said.
Mr Carter added that the festival’s return offers welcome relief after drought and other environmental challenges. “Streaky Sounds draws visitors from across the state, providing a boost to local businesses and showcasing Eyre Peninsula talent. It’s about celebrating our community while creating new opportunities for the region.”
Other highlights include the Wilmington Night Rodeo in January, “Under the Pines” on the Port Neill foreshore in February, and “Riding Out the Drought” in Melrose, which invites horse owners and families to join South Australia’s largest trail ride in May. Later in the year, Renmark will host Winter Wine Down, a night-time event on the riverfront with red wines, live entertainment, and food under the stars.
The Government hopes the events will provide both immediate and lasting benefits. By drawing visitors into regional towns, the aim is to inject money into local economies while offering communities moments of connection and resilience in the face of prolonged hardship.
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