GINGIN and Yanchep event organisers can now apply for sponsorship through the Regional Events Scheme for 2017-18.
A total funding pool of up to $850,000 is available in the latest round of the scheme, which is jointly funded by Royalties for Regions and Tourism Western Australia.
Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett said the Liberal National Government’s events scheme was a key component of the government’s investment in regional tourism initiatives.
“Tourism is a vital industry for regional WA,’’ he said.
“In 2015-16, visitors spent $9.6 billion in the state including $4.5 billion in regional areas.
“Events encourage people to explore the regions, bringing huge economic, social and cultural benefits to communities.
“The Regional Events Scheme strengthens WA’s exciting, year-round events calendar by helping smaller-scale and developing events to flourish.”
Applications are open until 5pm WST on December 13 for funding between $5,000 and $50,000 towards eligible regional events to be held between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said Royalties for Regions investment through the Regional Events Scheme had supported 320 events since 2011.
“Improving visitor experiences is key to creating opportunities and jobs for local communities,” he said.
“Royalties for Regions is investing in opportunities for regional tourism to create a strengthened regional economy and renewed social sustainability for these communities.”
The Tourism WA website said the scheme was an annual funding round for smaller, developing regional events across the State.
“The scheme is administered by Tourism WA and supports regional events in WA that bring additional tourism income to regional communities by increasing visitor numbers and expenditure in the host community (economic impact) and attract media coverage that will help raise the profile of the region as a tourist destination (media impact),’’ the website said.
It also said the scheme supported events, which involved and inspired the local community (social benefits), extended the length of the traditional tourist seasons and better utilised tourism facilities and services during off-peak or shoulder periods and improved the vibrancy and vitality of the state.
“In addition, it is advantageous if the event has a strong point of difference and/or profiles the unique features of the town and/or region.’’
For more information, visit http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/res
