Tourism in the Mid West boosted by $1.15 million grant to regional events around the State

WA is bolstering regional tourism with the 2023-24 Regional Events Scheme, granting $1.15 million to multiple regional events across the State to share. Sixty-five different events will receive part of this funding to help bolster tourism and the local economy of these smaller regions, including the Gascoyne Food Festival, Midwest Show N Shine, Gascoyne Dash and Mullewa’s Muster and Rodeo. To support events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities or experience, as part of the RES funds $250,000 will be put aside for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme, an increase of $100,000 from previous years. Included is Geraldton’s own Iwarra Wilungga, translated to spring by the sea, which is a festival of Aboriginal art and culture. Tourism Minister Roger Cook said these events bolstered the local communities. “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,” he said. “These events also play an important role in attracting visitors, stimulating local economies, and adding vibrancy to our dynamic regional communities.” Gascoyne Dash president Ted Schultz said the extra funding would help keep the annual event going. “It pretty much runs at breakeven, and we’re always trying to build an infrastructure, so any money we can get is very much appreciated,” he said. “It’d be one of the biggest events in Carnarvon and maybe even the biggest the Gascoyne junction has, we expect to bring in 500 plus people into town across the three days. “They spend quite a bit of money around the town in hotels, fuel, bits and pieces. . . so it’s a big injection to the economy.”