As a general rule an amateur golfer cannot accept expenses to compete in a golf competition. A number of exceptions apply and these are set out in Amateur Status Rule 4-2. They include family support, junior events, team events, and support from national and state golf associations.
Each year Golf Australia is asked to approve a small number of sponsored handicap competitions under Rule 4-2g of the Rules of Amateur Status, thereby allowing the organisers or sponsors of such events to pay expenses (ie travel and accommodation costs) on behalf of competitors.
This download provides further information.
> GA Guidelines for Amateur Status Approval of Sponsored Handicap Events 1-1-2016