Tourism Minister Roger Cook said, “The WA Government, through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions, is proud to support these 65 events across the State, which have been awarded funding through this round of the annual Regional Events Scheme.”
The yearly funding round supports smaller and emerging regional events, with the 2023-24 round supporting events taking place from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 to assist attract new tourists and improve local economies in WA’s five tourism areas.
Cook added, “Regional events provide an opportunity for local, interstate and international visitors to go beyond city limits and experience the unique features of each of our State’s wonderful regions.
“These events also play an important role in attracting visitors, stimulating local economies, and adding vibrancy to our dynamic regional communities.”
The grant includes $250,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES), which promotes events that highlight and celebrate Aboriginal activities or experiences via Aboriginal leadership and participation.
To promote more Aboriginal tourism events in 2023-24, RAES funding was boosted by $100,000 under the WA Government’s Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025.
Regional Development Minister Don Punch said, “Regional events are back on the calendar across all regions of Western Australia, celebrating each area’s unique culture, art and cuisine, and delighting visitors and locals.
“Events showcase the talent, skills and culture of WA’s regional areas while encouraging community engagement and boosting local economies.”
This year’s RES round will support ten new events, including the agritourism event Taste of the Kimberley, which will showcase the region’s food and landscapes, and the RAES event IwarraWilungga – Spring by the Sea, which will celebrate Aboriginal culture in the Mid-West.
The Great Southern Stage Run, a three-day race that follows the wild and rocky Bibbulman Track, and the Northam Heritage and Multicultural Festival in the Wheatbelt are two more events.
The WA Government supports the Regional Events Scheme through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions.
Tags: Tourism Western Australia, Roger Cook, 2023-24 Regional Events Scheme (RES)
