- Up to $1.15 million to be awarded to 65 events through Tourism Western Australia's annual Regional Events Scheme
- Includes 10 new events for 2023-24 and $250,000 to deliver Regional Aboriginal Events
- Supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions
Regional communities are set to benefit from $1.15 million being awarded to 65 regional events through Tourism Western Australia's 2023-24 Regional Events Scheme (RES).
The annual funding round supports smaller and developing regional events, with the 2023-24 round to support events taking place from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, to help attract new visitors to WA's five tourism regions and stimulate local economies.
The funding includes $250,000 reserved for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES), which supports events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities or experiences through the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people.
In 2023-24, RAES funding was increased by $100,000 through the WA Government's Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025, to support more Aboriginal tourism events.
This year's RES round will fund 10 new events, including the agritourism event Taste of the Kimberley, showcasing the produce and landscapes of the Kimberley region; and the RAES event Iwarra Wilungga - Spring by the Sea, which is a celebration of Aboriginal culture in the Mid-West.
Other events include the Great Southern Stage Run, a three-day race following the wild and rugged Bibbulman Track; and the Northam Heritage and Multicultural Festival in the Wheatbelt.
The Regional Events Scheme is supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions.
To see the full list of recipients and for more information about the Regional Events Scheme, visit Tourism WA's corporate website.
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
"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.
"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.
"There really is something for everyone in the year ahead - from Aboriginal cultural and food experiences, to adrenaline-oriented adventures and gastronomic delights, each event offers visitors a distinctive experience unique to the host region, so I urge all Western Australians to get out, explore our State and support our regions through attending a regional event."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"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.
"Whether it's absorbing ancient Aboriginal culture through the Karijini Experience in the Pilbara, marvelling at nature's beauty at the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, or enjoying authentic music at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, I encourage everyone to get out into our State's spectacular regions and have an unforgettable WA experience."
