- 63 regional events to benefit from $1.13 million in funding through annual Regional Events Scheme
- Includes funding for seven new events and one new regional Aboriginal event
- Supported by the Western Australian Government
Regional communities are set to benefit from up to $1.13 million being awarded to 63 regional events in 2025-26 through the Regional Events Scheme (RES).
The annual funding round supports smaller and developing regional events, helping to attract new visitors to Western Australia's five tourism regions and stimulate local economies.
It also includes $150,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES), supporting events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities or experiences through the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people.
This year's RES will fund seven new events and one new regional Aboriginal event across WA, including:
- Pilbara Pride Festival 2026, a week-long celebration in Port Hedland;
- Mountain Country Music Muster, a three-day music festival in the Stirling Range;
- World Windsurfing Youth Wave Grand Final at Geraldton's Coronation Beach, the largest youth windsurfing event in the world;
- Beverley Airshow, featuring thrilling aerial displays; and
- The Dreamtime Festival in Katanning.
Other exciting events that will be funded again in 2025-26 include:
- Busselton Jetty Swim;
- Moondyne Festival;
- Dwellingup 100;
- Collie River MTB Marathon; and
- Margaret River Region Open Studios.
Successful event holders will receive between $5,000-$40,000 in funding toward a variety of events spanning across art and performance, sport, and food and gourmet produce.
The Regional Events Scheme is supported by the WA Government.
The next funding round will open in August 2025 for events that fall between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.
To see the full list of recipients and for more information about the Regional Events Scheme, visit www.tourism.wa.gov.au .
As stated by Acting Tourism Minister John Carey:
"Hosting vibrant and dynamic events in our regions is essential for tourism in attracting visitors, while also contributing to our 'always on' events strategy.
"We're really proud to throw our support behind these exciting events that really add something extra to the existing calendar, with unique focus points like windsurfing and aerial displays.
"Importantly, these events also bring in valuable visitor spend, helping to support local jobs and boost regional economies."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"It's always fantastic to see such variety in our regional events calendar and the 2025-26 lineup is no exception.
"From discovering delicious food in the Gascoyne, to outback music festivals to game fishing, there is so much to discover and enjoy across regional Western Australia and the WA Government is proud to continue supporting events that create jobs for regional communities."
