19 June 2026
Three of the Southern Downs’ most iconic events have secured more than $255,000 in Queensland Government funding to broaden their profiles, reach new audiences and strengthen their visitor draw.
Jumpers and Jazz in July, the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival, and the Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft have been supported through two streams, the Cultural Tourism Fund (CTF) and Tourism & Events Queensland’s (TEQ) Queensland Destination Events Fund, to strengthen their capacity to attract new visitors and boost the regional economy.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the funding was a strong endorsement of the region’s events.
“This investment recognises the strength of our events and the important role they play in attracting visitors and supporting local businesses,” Mayor Hamilton said.
Jumpers and Jazz in July has been awarded up to $151,110 through the Cultural Tourism Fund to support new initiatives including a Contemporary Textile Commission and Participatory Arts Program, as well as expanded marketing to younger audiences.
Jumpers and Jazz in July President and Event Coordinator Pam Burley said the funding came at a pivotal time for the festival, noting that while the event’s creative arts program was already of a very high standard, the new commission would provide a fresh dimension.
“Following a thorough post festival debrief in 2024, we identified that it was time to do more to elevate the creative arts aspect of the festival, while also attracting new and younger audiences,” Ms Burley said.
“Our creative arts aspect is already strong, but we were looking for something new to take it to another level.
“This grant enables us to engage renowned artist Rachel Burke to deliver a series of activities that will achieve both of those goals.”
Portfolio Councillor for Thriving Communities Cr Joel Richters said the funding would help ensure Jumpers and Jazz in July continued to strengthen its place on the state’s events calendar.
“Jumpers and Jazz is a standout event for our region, and this investment will help it connect with new audiences while remaining true to its creative roots,” Cr Richters said.
The Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival and the Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft have secured a combined $104,000 over two years from TEQ, representing almost 10 per cent of the $1.17 million awarded to 21 events across Queensland.
Councillor Richters said the significant share of funding highlighted the importance of the Southern Downs’ equine events to the state’s tourism offering.
“This level of investment reflects just how important our horse powered events are to Queensland’s tourism industry, particularly in regional and country areas, and it reinforces our region’s proud heritage and traditions of horsemanship,” he said.
The funding will support increased out of region marketing and further enhancements to event programs, aimed at attracting both new and returning visitors.
“Growing visitation through strong events means real benefits for our community, and we look forward to welcoming more people to experience the Southern Downs,” Mayor Hamilton added.
The Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival and the Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft are supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
More information is available at:
Cultural Tourism Fund recipients announced | Arts Queensland | Queensland Government
2026 Round 1 outcomes
Delivering Destination 2045: Crisafulli Government invests $1.1 million in Queensland events - Ministerial Media Statements
Last edited date 19 Jun 2026