The McGowan Government is throwing its support behind the Collie community to shine a light on the town as a place to live and visit, as part of continued efforts to build the area's appeal.
A total of $100,000 in funding from the Collie Futures Small Grants Program will assist the Shire of Collie to bring together a program of existing and new events celebrating Collie, with an official launch being held today.
The series of events to take place under the 'Celebrating Collie's History and Promoting Its Future' banner aims to capture the richness of Collie's industrial history and showcase how the South-West town has changed.
The festival will also highlight what Collie and its surroundings currently have to offer visitors and residents.
Following on from the unveiling of a new mural by artist Jacob 'Shakey' Butler on the Shire of Collie's administration building and the 'Kaya Collie' logo by Aboriginal artist Bianca Hart, a series of community events will take place over the next year.
Driven by the Just Transition Working Group (JTWG), 'Celebrating Collie's History and Promoting Its Future' marks a milestone in Collie's journey, with new industries and employment opportunities emerging. It also recognises the town's important milestone of 125 years since gazettal in 1897.
Additionally, $90,000 through the Collie Futures Small Grants Program will enable the Collie Cycle Club to stage the Collie Labour Day Festival in 2023 and 2024.
Making the most of the Collie River Valley's natural assets, the festival brings together locals and visitors to enjoy an array of recreational activities and competitions, including freshwater fishing, mountain biking and water skiing.
For more information about the Collie Futures Fund or to apply for funding, visit www.swdc.wa.gov.au
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The McGowan Government has significantly invested in the diversification of the local economy.
"We've now reached an exciting time in the town's development, with new industry emerging - helping to build long-term prosperity.
"An autonomous equipment training centre, graphite processing facility, and medical cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility are just some of the innovative projects putting Collie on the map and shaping the town's future.
"Our smaller grants are also assisting to drive local economic growth and jobs creation, including through increasing visitation. Events tourism provides flow-on effects to local businesses, while enriching the social fabric of the community."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"These new grants will support events that help to further highlight Collie as a place to live, work and invest.
"I encourage everyone to plan a trip to Collie to enjoy everything that the town has to offer and for the community to celebrate what is taking place locally.
"There is optimism in town, as Collie's future emerges with exciting opportunities for locals.
"There are more reasons than ever to visit Collie thanks to the McGowan Government's investment in projects aimed at securing Collie's future. Initiatives aimed at driving tourism include the Wellington Dam mural and mural trail, adventure trails, and the Lake Kepwari water-based recreation hub."
