Applications are now open for the WA Government’s 2025-26 Regional Events Scheme (RES), with funding of up to $1 million available.
The annual funding program is designed for smaller and developing regional events to help attract new visitors to regional Western Australia and stimulate local economies.
It also provides $150,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES) to support events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities and experiences through the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people.
Event holders can apply for funding between $5,000 and $40,000 for events held between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 from now until 5pm Friday, 20 September 2024.
The 2024-25 funding round saw $1.2 million awarded across 73 regional events.
These included the Margaret River Region Open Studios event and the Lake Argyle Swim, as well as newly-funded events Ningaloo Sky Festival in the Gascoyne, and Closet of the Anthropocene in Western Australia’s South West.
The round also supported nine events through RAES funding, helping to make authentic Aboriginal activities and experiences available to visitors and locals alike.
For more information or to apply, visit: www.tourism.wa.gov.au/regional-events-scheme(link is external)
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“We know how fantastic regional Western Australia is, and this program provides an important boost to regional event holders, supporting a diverse calendar of events across the State to become bigger and better.
“These events provide a time-specific reason for people to come and visit our State’s stunning regions and bring communities together, growing regional economies and job opportunities.
“Regional events also play such an important role in showcasing the unique destinations WA has to offer and creating vibrancy in local communities.”
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“It’s wonderful to continue our support for regional events, as we know bringing back annual, much loved events in regional Western Australia will strengthen local enconomies and communities.
“The WA Government is proud to support this funding program as it not only provides a boost to local event holders but also helps to spotlight the rich cultural heritage, unmatched natural beauty and creative talent in WA’s regions.”
Leave a Reply