Venue hire support sponsorship – Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament

Supporting the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution.

stage view of empty main hall in Sydney Town Hall with two levels of red seat rows.

Grants team

Before applying please contact the team to arrange a call back to discuss your project.

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

Applications now open

Applications open: 29 May 2023
Applications close: 30 September 2023
Applicants will be notified by late August
Activity must take place before the referendum.

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About this program

The City of Sydney supports a Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum with information and community events.

Support is available for up to 3 recognised community organisations to host free public events supporting the campaign for a “Yes” vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum in one of the City’s landmark venues.

Support available

Three value-in-kind sponsorships of up to $30,000 each plus GST are available to contribute towards venue hire, equipment hire and staffing fees in a City of Sydney landmark venue.

Landmark venues include Sydney Town Hall, Lower Town Hall and Paddington Town Hall, depending on availability.

These free public events must be for a minimum of 500 people.

Applicants must meet all standard conditions of hire and pay any additional charges.

Proposals are assessed against:
- capacity and experience to present the project
- demonstrated connection and benefit to the local area and communities
- evidence of diversity, inclusion and equity in planning and presenting the project.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding an applicant must operate within the City of Sydney’s area or be able to demonstrate benefits for the area’s residents, workers or visitors.

Projects must support a Yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Applicants working with an auspicing organisation are encouraged to choose an organisation relevant to the sector and can support the development of the proposal.

These individuals and organisations can apply:
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Unincorporated community groups
- Individual auspiced by a not-for-profit eligible to apply in its own right.
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres and Strait Islander organisations, groups, networks or individuals that support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For more information on eligibility see the eligibility section of the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

Reporting obligations

Receiving a grant and holding an event in support of the Yes vote may require you to report donations and authorise referendum matter under the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984. You are responsible for complying with these obligations. See the Australian Electoral Commission website for further information.

How to apply

Before applying

Contact Cathy Brown from the grants team to discuss your eligibility and suitability for this sponsorship program on 02 9265 9467 or email [email protected].
Contact Adam Sherar from venue management team to discuss venue availability, rates and event requirements on 9265 9302 or email [email protected].