- Regional events applicants to benefit from $1 million funding pool
- Annual Regional Events Scheme has supported more than 280 individual events ahead of 25th year
- Tourism forms a key part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and support local jobs
The latest round of the Regional Events Scheme (RES) will support 64 events in the program's 25th year as part of the Cook Government's plan to diversify the State's economy.
The annual funding program supports smaller and developing regional events across the State to help attract new visitors, encourage regional dispersal and stimulate local economies. In its 25 years, RES has supported more than 280 individual events across the regions.
The $1 million funding pool includes $150,000 reserved 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.
Of the events funded this year, 15 are receiving funding through the scheme for the first time, including:
- Cuby GrooveFest, a three-day music, art and wellbeing festival in Cuballing; and
- Raised in Big Spirit County, a concert celebrating Broome's musical legends and the next generation of Kimberley artists.
Funding will also support seven regional Aboriginal events across WA, including:
- Mowanjum Festival, a celebration of culture featuring workshops, performances and storytelling in Derby;
- Mindi Rardi Festival, an evening of cultural song and dance celebrating Aboriginal stories and traditions in the Fitzroy Valley; and
- Burrup Experience, a guided cultural and rock art journey showcasing ancient petroglyphs and stories in Murujuga National Park.
Other popular events receiving renewed funding in 2026-27 include the Busselton Jetty Swim and the Karijini Experience.
The successful applicants will receive up to $40,000 in funding for art, cultural, music, sport and culinary events across the regions.
The scheme is part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy and delivers significant benefits to regional communities by attracting more visitors to regional towns and boosting local tourism, jobs and hospitality businesses, as well as creating vibrant communities for people to live, work and visit.
The next RES funding round will open in June 2026, with regional event holders encouraged to apply for events that fall between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2028.
To view the full list of successful events and for more information visit tourism.wa.gov.au/res
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Events are the heartbeat of Western Australia's regional destinations - they create unforgettable experiences, strengthen local communities, and showcase the incredible diversity of our State to visitors from near and far.
"Through initiatives like the Regional Events Scheme, we're building a calendar of dynamic, diverse events that celebrate culture and draw people to destinations across our State to explore more of what makes WA truly extraordinary.
"Western Australia offers some of the most unique experiences in the world, and we're proud to support regional events that showcase our rich culture and incredible natural beauty, as part of our government's economic diversification strategy to provide a boost to local jobs and businesses."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Regional Western Australia continues to deliver incredible tourism events, attracting visitors from all corners and supporting jobs in our regional communities.
"These events celebrate our unique landscapes and rich Indigenous culture, and they also highlight WA's reputation as a destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences.
"The Regional Events Scheme has had a great run over the past 25 years, and the Cook Government is proud the keep investing in opportunities and events that show regional WA at its best."
