We play a major role in supporting, approving and delivering over 200 events each year. Through events, we are committed to promoting our region, supporting tourism and encourage connected communities. We look forward to hearing from organisations and groups about your next event.
Contact an Events Officer via email or call 03 5153 9500
To find out what major events are happening in East Gippsland visit the What's On Calendar.
Want to list your event for free on Visit East Gippsland? Register your event with Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) and your event will automatically be listed on Visit East Gippsland’s What’s On, as well as other tourism websites and other media opportunities.
For tips and a how to guide to register with ATDW, go to Destination Gippsland Listing with ATDW, and ensure you are registered and benefit from the marketing opportunities ATDW offers.
Need to know more? Contact East Gippsland Marketing Inc.
Public events held on public land require the completion of the Initial Event Permit Advice Form, submitted at least three months before your event.
At a minimum, all event permit applications will need:
Depending on event activities, other considerations include:
Please see the Event Planning A-Z Guide for more information on requirements for Events in East Gippsland.
Although an Event Permit is not needed for events on private land, a Planning Permit is likely required depending on the zoning and land use applicable. For more information, email: planning@egipps.vic.gov.au
We have an Events Concierge who is committed to helping organisations and groups develop, plan and implement successful and safe events. We also provide specialist advice to facilitate and support events that attract visitation and contribute to developing East Gippsland into a major event destination.
You will find a range of resources below which will help you plan and execute a successful event.
Our Event Management Toolkit, below, is a one-stop shop for event organisers – providing the information you need on event planning, sponsorship, grants, coordinating volunteers and staff, how to run committee meetings and post-event reviews and surveys.
You will find a range of event-related resources below, including templates and checklists, which will help you plan and execute a successful event.
In anticipation of new legislation expected to come into effect in late 2026, we are taking this opportunity to clarify and outline the requirements for a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) permit.
As part of this review, some events that have previously been held without the requirement to obtain a POPE Permit may now be required to do so. Following consultation with the Building and Plumbing Commission, Council was required to amend aspects of its policy regarding the enforcement of POPE permits, which had not been consistently applied in the past. In addition, our new Municipal Building Surveyor has identified a number of events that were not meeting current standards and legislative requirements.
Please also note that where the Municipal Building Surveyor determines that a POPE Permit is required, an Event Permit from the Events team will not be issued until the POPE Permit has been received and Council has been notified. This ensures that all legislative obligations are met and that events are delivered in compliance with all legal requirements.
A POPE Permit is required when ANY of the following are true:
OR
A place which is used or intended to be used for the purpose of public entertainment IF:
The definitions under the Building Act and the Building Regulations 2018 operate to provide that the following are POPE (Places of Public Entertainment)
A place in the prescribed class of places:
The following are prescribed temporary structures that require an Occupancy Permit from Building and Plumbing Commission before they can be used for public entertainment:
See additional information in the Events Planning A-Z Guide.
Apply for a POPE Permit here.
Take your business event to East Gippsland and promise your delegates a memorable and unique experience.
From purpose-built conference venues, to cosy farm-style spaces and elegant function centres, East Gippsland offers versatile venues anywhere from 10 to 300 delegates, accommodating corporate functions, intimate retreats, through to venues with up to 75 bedrooms, conference facilities and catering on site.
East Gippsland is the place where conference breaks are mindful, delegates are energised, and business events are more natural with less stress. To see what East Gippsland has to offer, please see Business Done Different.
Contact Council Business Events
See the Visit East Gippsland website for more information.
There are many public open spaces, community halls, parks and foreshores available for community events. East Gippsland is also home to incredible natural assets such as our lakes, rivers, mountains and forest reserves which are ideal locations for outdoor adventure sporting events.
To discuss possible locations for your event, please contact your Events Officer.
Council also controls the historic Bairnsdale Rotunda, Bairnsdale Nicholson Mall, Lakes Entrance Rotunda, our regional libraries and other facilities.