Regional events in WA set to bring in the crowds

Image credit: Frances Andrijich

Up to $1.15 million has been awarded to 65 regional events across Western Australia through Tourism WA’s 2023-2024 Regional Events Scheme (RES), to drive visitation and boost regional economies across the state.

Supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions, this annual funding round supports smaller and developing regional events across WA, to encourage travellers to visit the regions, which injects more tourism dollars into regional communities and creates local jobs.

Regional events also generate media coverage to increase awareness of regional destinations and add vibrancy to communities across the state.

This year’s RES round will fund events taking place from 1 July 2023 through to 30 June 2024, including 10 new events such as: 

• The Taste of the Kimberley, an agritourism event which showcases the produce and landscapes of the region;
• The Great Southern Stage Run, a three-day race along the Bibbulman Track; and
• The Northam Heritage and Multicultural Festival in the Wheatbelt.

It will also support the return of successful regional events such as:

• Broome International Airport Marathon;
• Avon Descent;
• York Motorcycle Festival; and
• Lake Argyle Swim.

Also included in this $1.15 million of funding is $250,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES), which is a separate pool of funding to support events that deliver Aboriginal activities or experiences and celebrates the promotion and leadership of Aboriginal people.

One such event is the Karijini Experience, which offers high quality Indigenous arts and cultural experiences in Karijini National Park.

In 2023 –2024 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 in the state.

RAES events involve and inspire the local community and add vibrancy and excitement to the region by showcasing unique and authentic Indigenous cultural experiences that regions across WA offer.

 RAES events for 2023-24 include: 

• The Karijini Experience, which offers high quality Indigenous arts and cultural experiences in Karijini National Park; and
• The new Iwarra Wilungga (Spring by the Sea) event - a celebration of Aboriginal culture in the Mid West.

For a full list of events, and to find out more about RES, visit the Regional Events Scheme Funding page.

*Source: Tourism Western Australia, info@westernaustralia.com

https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/