TWO well-known Mildura events have shared in nearly $20,000 as part of the State Governments Country Victoria Events Program following a concerted effort to showcase community events to visitors from Victoria and beyond. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said funding aimed to support the staging and marketing of popular events across the State, with the aim to showcase regional Victorias tourism strengths. The Mildura Goanna Run and the Mildura Writers Festival were each granted $2500 as part of the initiative, with the Writers Festival concluding last weekend following a program of workshops, lectures and discussion forums. The Goanna Run will celebrate all aspects of street rod and custom car culture, including art, fashion, automotive design and music, running this year from October 22 to 25. Ms Symes said the Labor Government had awarded Country Victoria Events Program grants across the State, encouraging small-scale events to engage local communities and attract both day and overnight visitors. A total of 19 grants have been awarded, with eight in the Northern Victoria electorate. Country Victorias impressive calendar of events are a key component of the States $10.9billion regional economy, keeping visitor rates healthy and creating jobs for regional and country Victorians, Ms Symes said.