Plan an Event
Events play a vital role in bringing our communities together and showcasing the Murray River region. From local markets and sporting events to festivals, fundraisers and private functions, Murray River Council is proud to support a diverse calendar of events across our towns and public spaces.
Whether you’re planning a small community gathering or a large-scale festival, this page will help you understand what’s involved and where to find the right information to get started.
What is an event?
An event is any planned activity or gathering that goes beyond the normal, day-to-day use of a space.
This can include public or private events, free or ticketed events, and events held indoors or outdoors.
Common examples include:
- Markets and festivals
- Sporting events
- Concerts and performances
- Fundraisers
- Weddings and private functions
If your event involves people gathering at a specific place and time, it’s likely considered an event.
Do I need Council approval?
All events held within the Murray River Council area must obtain Council approval unless the event is private and does not invite members of the general public.
This includes events held:
- On Council-owned or managed land
- In public spaces such as parks, reserves or roads
- On private land, where the event is open to the public
Approval is not required for:
- Private, social gatherings of less than 100 people
- Private recreational activities
If you’re unsure whether your event requires approval, we recommend checking the “Do I need approval?” Decision Tree or contacting Council early for advice.
Getting started
Successful events start with good planning. Before submitting an application, we recommend you:
- Choose your date, location and event type
- Review Council venues and facilities
- Prepare a basic budget
- Identify key activities (e.g. food, alcohol, rides, amplified sound)
- Allow enough time for approvals (3 months minimum), especially if traffic management is required
- Review the Event Guide
The Event Guide: your essential planning tool
The Murray River Council Event Guide is your step-by-step guide to planning and running an event in our region. It brings all requirements, processes and resources together in one place, so you know exactly what’s needed and when.
The guide includes:
- An overview of when Council approval is required and how to apply
- Clear explanations of permits, licences and documentation you may need
- Guidance on risk management, safety and emergency planning
- Information on infrastructure and amenities such as toilets, waste, power and lighting
- Requirements for food, alcohol and event activities (including rides, fireworks and amplified sound)
- Advice on traffic management, parking and accessibility
- Tips for community notification, marketing and promotion
- Downloadable templates, checklists and planning tools
- Key contacts and support services to help you along the way
Whether you’re organising a small community event or a large-scale festival, the Event Guide helps you plan with confidence and avoid last-minute surprises.
Download the Event Guide
Access event templates and resources below.
Promote your event
Murray River Council can help promote your event through digital and physical channels to reach locals and visitors across the region.
Digital promotion includes featuring your event on the Visit River Country and Visit Echuca Moama websites and social media, and on Live, Work, Invest River Country for corporate or business events. You can also list your event on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) for broad distribution across major tourism websites — a free and effective way to reach a wider audience.
Physical promotion includes high-visibility bridge signs in Moama and Barham, available to community groups, not-for-profits and event organisers. Bookings are free, but signwriting and installation costs are the organiser’s responsibility, and availability is limited.
Book a bridge sign
Contact Council for promotion support
Apply for grant funding
Murray River Council offers grants to support local events and initiatives through its Community Grants Program and Quick Response Grants. These programs provide up to $3,000 for eligible community groups and not-for-profits within the Council area. Grants are available twice a year to help deliver events that positively impact the community. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit our grants page here.