Regional communities throughout Western Australia have received a funding boost totalling $1,082,500 to help deliver events that inspire locals and encourage tourism.
A total of 68 events shared in the Regional Events Scheme (RES) funding pool for 2019-20, which is supported by the State Government through Tourism Western Australia and Royalties for Regions.
The RES is administered by Tourism WA and aims to encourage regional communities to develop events that have economic and social benefits.
Seven of the events were supported through the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES), which was introduced for the first time last year, to showcase Aboriginal activities and experiences, and encourage Aboriginal leadership and participation.
Demand was high for 2019-20 RES support, with Tourism WA receiving 120 applications for funding.
Applications for RES support are reviewed and assessed against criteria including the potential of the event to increase visitor numbers and spend, attract media coverage, create jobs and involve and inspire the local community.
Successful 2019-20 RES applicants were awarded funding ranging from $5,000 to $40,000.
Events that received RES support for the first time were:
- Regional North West State Championships, Exmouth (Athletics);
- Balayi Open Your Eyes! Festival; Geraldton and Abrolhos Islands;
- Back to Pinjarra Commemoration, Pinjarra;
- Chidlow BBQ Festival, Chidlow;
- 47th Annual National Tasar Championships, Mandurah (Sailing);
- 2019 Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association OC1/OC2 V1 National Titles, Mandurah;
- Margaret River Ultra Marathon, Margaret River;
- Busselton Jetty Squid Festival, Busselton;
- The 2019 WA State Road Cycling Championships, Bunbury; and
- Kulin Bush Races, Kulin.
For a full list of events awarded 2019-20 funding, visit the Tourism WA website.
The 2020-21 RES round will open in October 2019 and close in December 2019 for events that fall between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"This scheme is a fantastic initiative to stimulate tourism in our State's regions. These events create a point of difference and a reason for people to get out of the city and discover some of the amazing landscapes and unique experiences in regional WA.
"It's also great to see the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme fostering the growth of some great Aboriginal tourism businesses, as this is an area of unmet demand for visitors to the State.
"The Regional Events Scheme has helped create a year-round calendar of events with broad appeal for those within the State or visiting WA from elsewhere."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The Regional Events Scheme provides economic and social benefits to regional communities through job creation, tourism and community involvement.
"The successful applicants should be congratulated as these events give host towns an opportunity to showcase their unique part of WA to new audiences.
"The events help to create community pride and skills development within the regions as well as provide an important revenue stream."
