Regional events are set to get a boost with grants of up to $50,000 on offer under the latest scheme by the state government.
A pool of $1 million will be available to regional event holders, including $150,000 for events which deliver ‘authentic Aboriginal experiences’.
The 2018-2019 Regional Events Scheme is aimed at supporting smaller, developing events across regional WA.
Funding ranges from $5,000 and $50,000 for events held between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said he was happy to see funding set aside to support more regional Aboriginal events in WA.
“Aboriginal tourism helps protect and preserve traditional culture and encourage communities to become economically viable by providing employment and income,” he said.
“Tourism is a key economic driver for regional Western Australia with visitors spending $10 billion in the State in 2016, including $4.7 billion in regional areas.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan regional WA offered a variety of unique tourism experiences that bring a positive boost to the local economy.
“The new Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme adds to WA’s unique tourism experiences while supporting the economic development of Aboriginal communities,” she said.
“This investment will support the creation of sustainable tourism businesses in the regions, in addition to infrastructure and services that benefit local communities and visitors in the long term.”
Applications for funding close at 5pm on Tuesday, December 12, and can be found at Tourism WA.
The scheme is supported by Tourism Western Australia and Royalties for Regions.