Why is the City developing an Events Strategy?

    Coffs Harbour is evolving — and so are the opportunities in the events space. This strategy will help the City plan smartly, invest wisely, and build an events calendar that benefits both residents and the local economy.

    Why does the City of Coffs Harbour need an Events Strategy?

    Having an Events Strategy provides clear direction on the events the City should be seeking to support and attract, while identifying tools and measures to determine the level of support for the large variety of events presented to the City each year.

    What will the Events Strategy do?

    The Strategy will: 

    • Create a clear vision for events in Coffs Harbour through to 2035 

    • Analyse what’s working well and where there are gaps 

    • Help us prioritise and invest in the right types of events 

    • Support better coordination of City and community-led events 

    • Ensure events align with the MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan in building a connected, sustainable and thriving community 

    • Strengthen our role as a leading destination for tourism, sport and culture 

    • Include an Event Impact Model to guide future investment decisions 

    • Identify opportunities to secure external funding and partnerships 

    How could the new Events Strategy impact events in our region?

    The Strategy will provide a benchmarking and competitor analysis to define Coffs Harbour’s unique selling points, highlight areas for differentiation, and identify competitive advantages. By understanding the event landscape, a strategic framework will be developed by the contractor that will enable the City to attract higher-value events, optimise its event portfolio, and position Coffs Harbour as a leading destination for regional, state, national and international events.

    Why are events important to our region?

    Events play a significant role in attracting large volumes of new and repeat visitors to Coffs Harbour, as well as providing a vibrant backdrop of activity, entertainment, education and wellbeing the Coffs Harbour community.

    What’s happening now?

    We’re currently in the research and development stage. This includes: 

    • Reviewing our current event calendar and infrastructure 

    • Benchmarking against other regional destinations 

    • Analysing the tourism and economic impacts of existing events 

    • Listening to stakeholders and gathering local knowledge 

    • Designing a model to help the City assess and invest in events 

    We’ve partnered with event strategy experts to develop the plan and we’ll be seeking insights from local businesses, event organisers, community groups and residents. 

    What kind of events are included?

    From local food and cultural festivals to professional sports, conferences, live music, and more – all types of events will be considered in this strategy. It will consider both existing events and new concepts that align with our region’s strengths and vision.

    How will the strategy benefit the community?

    The strategy will incorporate community feedback on the type of events that matter to them, while balancing this with more targeted investments in events that support tourism, vibrancy, and the local economy. 
    Importantly, events are a crucial element of making Coffs Harbour a connected, sustainable and thriving place to live – in line with the community’s vision as set out in the MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan. 
    By developing this strategy, we can create an events calendar that celebrates our unique culture, strengthens community connections, and leaves a lasting positive impact.

    Will events still reflect our local culture and identity?

    Absolutely. The strategy will prioritise events that celebrate Coffs Harbour’s people, places and stories — including our natural landscape, First Nations heritage, and creative culture. 
    Community-run events, local sporting fixtures, and school-led celebrations are a crucial part of our region’s cultural fabric and will form a core pillar of the events calendar. These grassroots events help strengthen community connections and ensure our calendar reflects the life and spirit of Coffs Harbour. 

    Will the community get a say?

    Yes. We want to hear directly from residents, local groups and businesses. 
    Your feedback will help shape an events calendar that supports community connection, celebrates local culture, and strengthens the Coffs Coast as a regional destination.

    How will the City decide which events to support in future?

    A new Event Impact Model will be developed as part of the strategy. This model will measure the economic, tourism, and community impact of each event to support clear, transparent investment decisions.

    Is this just about events at C.ex Coffs International Stadium?

    No. While the Stadium is an important venue and will be prioritised for certain types of events, the strategy covers all types of events and venues across the Coffs Coast region.