Four Mid-West projects will share in $642,763 funding under round five of the McGowan Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The McGowan Government's RED Grants program has invested $45.8 million over eight years in local projects across Western Australia's regions, to drive economic development and support regional communities.
Successful projects in round five will diversify the tourism and hospitality sectors, support creative industries, and enhance childcare capacity in the region.
The Welcome to Gero project will benefit from $250,000 to establish a new tourism and entertainment precinct in the heart of Geraldton. A derelict site will be repurposed to host pop-up retail spaces, food trucks and market stalls, as well as an ongoing program of entertainment, performances and experiences.
Perenjori Short Stay Accommodation will utilise a $160,000 grant to expand its accommodation offering, adding 10 new self-contained guest rooms and a guest reception.
The Shire of Cue will receive a $82,763 grant to fit out a commercial kitchen to support establishing the Cue Café and hospitality venue at the State Heritage-listed former Western Australian Bank building.
Mingenew Education and Childcare Centre will use $150,000 to expand and upgrade the facility, delivering a critical service for primary caregivers, enabling them to re-join the local workforce and deal with the workers shortfall.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Once again, the RED Grants continue to support local businesses and organisations to develop, grow and diversify to better service regional communities.
"Geraldton is emerging as a significant creative arts hot spot, including strong Aboriginal arts enterprises.
"The Welcome to Gero project creates a unique opportunity to build momentum to diversify the regional economy, adding value to the city's tourism identity and experiences.
"Our smaller Mid-West communities; Mingenew, Perenjori and Cue, are well-supported in this round with projects that deliver significant expansions to essential services, such as accommodation and childcare, and tourism opportunities."
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"I'm thrilled to see such a diversity of projects supported through the grants and look forward to seeing them prosper and grow through this funding.
"Congratulations to the successful recipients and I thank Minister MacTiernan and the State Government for their support of local business."
Successful Round 5 RED Grant recipients - Mid-West
| Grant Applicant | Project Description | Grant Amount |
| Shire of Mingenew | Extension and Upgrade of Mingenew Education and Child Care Centre | $150,000 |
| A & MA Heelan | Perenjori Short Stay Accommodation Upgrade | $160,000 |
| The Trustee for Margland Unit Trust | Welcome to Gero Project | $250,000 |
| Shire of Cue | Establishment of Cue Café Kitchen | $82,763 |
