- Historic hotel in Pinjarra celebrates official reopening
- Newly refurbished Exchange Hotel set to diversify tourism and create jobs in Peel
- Project supported by $100,000 grant from Cook Government's Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program
Regional Development Minister Don Punch has officially reopened the historic Exchange Hotel in Pinjarra, which is set to diversify the tourism experience in the Peel region.
The Exchange Hotel forms a unique part of Pinjarra's history, operating for more than 135 years before its closure in 2008.
The reopening of the refurbished hotel yesterday evening will create a new hospitality business to fill local market demand, generating local jobs and increasing tourism diversity in the region.
The Cook Government invested $100,000 in this project through a Regional Economic Development Grant in December 2022.
The funding supported a high-quality fit-out of the hotel's central kitchen and bar area, as part of a major redevelopment of this heritage site.
The Exchange Hotel opening will activate Pinjarra's town centre, giving locals and visitors a truly unique and modern venue to come together to enjoy while still retaining Pinjarra's unique historical charm.
Since 2018, the Cook Labor Government has committed more than $55 million over 10 years towards the RED Grants program, diversifying regional economies and creating hundreds of new jobs in the regions.
Successful recipients of the seventh round of the RED Grants program are set to be announced in the coming weeks, with a record $10 million funding available this year to support locally-driven projects across regional Western Australia.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"I am delighted to be here this evening in Pinjarra to celebrate the official opening of the newly refurbished Exchange Hotel.
"The RED Grants program supports local projects that deliver real economic impact and create more jobs throughout Western Australia.
"Our Government has invested more than $4 million across 40 projects in the Peel region since 2018 - empowering local businesses to expand their operations, support sustainable employment opportunities and diversify the tourism offerings available in the region."
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"Congratulationsto Karl and Janine Bullers who have brought this heritage building back to life and the local business community for your commitment and collaboration on the planning, design, and redevelopment of this unique piece of Pinjarra's history.
"The redevelopment and reactivation of the Exchange Hotel will make this iconic building a true destination venue for visitors and locals to enjoy.
"The Cook Government is proud to deliver on our commitment to the Shire of Murray through this project,supporting the region's vibrancy and driving economic growth in the area."
