Between school drop-offs and the Year 12 rollercoaster, Linda Tillman and Cathy Treasure were also quietly reshaping the future of regional events.

Two regional mums - fresh from guiding daughters through exams, with teenage boys still coming up behind - they understand pressure, stretched capacity and the art of holding things together.

ACRE wasn’t born in a boardroom. It grew from lived experience, decades in the field, and a shared belief that regional organisers don’t lack passion, they need practical process. So they built a framework that helps communities move from simply re-creating events to accelerating them.

The results of our latest Regional Events Industry Survey are in, and they tell an encouraging story. Drawing insights from councils, not-for-profits and private organisers across Australia, the data reveals a sector that’s moving beyond survival mode and into a phase of optimism, confidence and possibility.

Image Credit: Gravel ‘n Granite, Tenterfield

In 2026, burnout and volunteer fatigue are one of the biggest risks to event survival, and this is NOT new.

So why is this persisting?

Is it becoming worse or is it just that we haven’t found the solution and so we keep plugging along?!  Or maybe it’s just ‘easier’ to keep doing it the way we always have?!

Maybe a simple step is taking a look at governance and meeting procedures.

December is bursting with carols, parades, performances and big lighting displays.

Is it all worth it or could we be smarter at Christmas?

Australian Centre for Regional Events Launches 'Eventfolk' to Combat Organiser Burnout and Give Regional Events a Collective Voice.

Every festival has a lifecycle - from exciting new beginnings to thriving staples, and sometimes to the point where change is needed.

If your event is struggling with declining attendance, volunteer fatigue, or funding challenges, it might be time to revitalise, refocus, or retire.

Discover how to assess your event, make strategic decisions, and plan for long-term success.

From UK-inspired ideas like a ticket levy to support grassroots events, to new rules of event marketing, sustainability wins, and big-picture strategies from NSW and QLD - there was so much relevant to those of us building events outside the big cities at the Australian Festival Industry Conference. 

Linda Tillman recently attended and presented at the 2025 Agricultural Shows Australia Conference, where industry leaders, event professionals, and regional champions gathered to shape the future of agricultural shows.

Linda shares her key takeaways and insights from the conference.

Image Credit: Agricultural Shows Australia

Why do people work in events? Because there is nothing quite like it and the lifelong friendships that are formed.

A reflection on a career as an Event Director and the misunderstood industry.

It is time to look at the big picture and save volunteer-run regional events.

Image Credit: Grazing Down the Lachlan

Our learnings about event accessibility from volunteering at Australia’a most accessible music festival

What a fabulous few days in Mackay Queensland the regional tourism industry just had for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention!  

I was honoured to be flying the flag for regional events, presenting on measuring the social value of events. 

We address the 6 key challenges and trends identified as threats to the ongoing viability of events that were recently raised by 130 event industry peeps from across regional and rural Australia in our webinar on Optimising Community Events.

This year at rEVENTS Academy we decided to do more to contribute to the regional, rural and remote communities we work with

Here’s where to find grants for strategic planning of events (which will help solve challenges), marketing to increase attendance, infrastructure such as hired stages and marquees, and more.

Common challenges pose a serious threat to the future of many events in regional Australia.

What are the solutions?

Woodford Folk Festival is delivered by 2,700 volunteers.

How do they manage that many volunteers - and keep them coming back year after year??

Who do you call for sustainable services for your event?

Here are some sustainable event suppliers we’ve found - but please share any businesses that you recommend in the comments!

Image credit: Green My Plate

Here we share how three inspiring events go beyond recycling to improve their sustainability. Which of their tactics will you steal for your event?