Western Australia’s One Million Dollar Regional Events Scheme Supports Sixty-Four Events in 2026, Driving Tourism and Local Business Growth

Western Australia’s One Million Dollar Regional Events Scheme Supports Sixty-Four Events in 2026, Driving Tourism and Local Business Growth

Western Australia’s One Million Dollar Regional Events Scheme Supports Sixty-Four Events in 2026, Driving Tourism and Local Business Growth

Western Australia’s tourism sector continues to thrive thanks to the ongoing support provided by the Regional Events Scheme (RES). With $1 million allocated for the latest round of funding, this initiative plays a pivotal role in boosting regional tourism, attracting new visitors, and strengthening local economies. Now in its 25th year, the scheme has consistently demonstrated its value in diversifying the state’s tourism offerings, driving economic growth, and creating vibrant communities throughout Western Australia.

25 Years of Supporting Regional Tourism

Since its inception, the Regional Events Scheme has helped foster the growth of regional tourism by providing financial support to smaller, developing events across the state. Over the past 25 years, more than 280 individual events have been funded, allowing regional towns to attract visitors, encourage regional dispersal, and generate essential tourism revenue. In 2026, the scheme continues to fulfil its mission by supporting 64 events, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt across all corners of Western Australia.

The funding, which offers up to $40,000 to each successful applicant, supports a wide range of events, including art, cultural, music, sport, and culinary festivals. This diversity ensures that visitors have access to a broad array of experiences, showcasing the state’s unique cultural and natural heritage. In addition to providing funding for established events, the scheme also supports the growth of new and innovative events that contribute to the state’s dynamic tourism landscape.

The Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme

As part of the $1 million funding pool, $150,000 has been set aside for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES). This dedicated portion of the funding supports events that celebrate and promote Aboriginal culture, providing a platform for Aboriginal communities to showcase their leadership and participation. The RAES highlights the richness of Indigenous culture and creates opportunities for cultural exchange, helping to foster a greater understanding of Western Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.

Several Aboriginal events have received funding this year, including the Mowanjum Festival, Mindi Rardi Festival, and Burrup Experience. These events focus on storytelling, cultural performances, and the exploration of Indigenous traditions, offering visitors an authentic and meaningful connection to the state’s cultural heritage.

New and Renewed Events

This year’s funding supports 15 new events for the first time, adding to the diversity and vibrancy of the regional events calendar. Among the newcomers are the Cuby GrooveFest, a three-day festival celebrating music, art, and wellbeing in Cuballing, and Raised in Big Spirit County, a concert that honours Broome’s musical legacy and features emerging Kimberley artists. These fresh additions to the event lineup will attract visitors from within the state and beyond, contributing to the growth of regional tourism.

In addition to these new events, well-established attractions continue to receive funding. The Busselton Jetty Swim and the Karijini Experience are among the events receiving renewed support, ensuring their continued success as key tourism draws in Western Australia. These events play an important role in attracting repeat visitors and maintaining the region’s status as a top tourism destination.

Supporting Local Businesses and Communities

The impact of the Regional Events Scheme goes beyond the events themselves. Tourism Minister Reece Whitby emphasized that regional events are the “heartbeat” of Western Australia’s regional destinations, creating unforgettable experiences, supporting local communities, and promoting the state’s diverse attractions to a wider audience. The increased visitor numbers generated by these events provide a significant boost to local businesses, including shops, restaurants, accommodations, and tour operators, which rely on tourism spending to thrive.

The funding also directly supports the state’s broader economic diversification strategy, which aims to create long-term benefits for local businesses and communities. By attracting more tourists to regional areas, the scheme ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are spread across the state, helping to support jobs and stimulate the growth of regional economies.

Showcasing Western Australia’s Unique Culture and Landscapes

Minister Stephen Dawson, Regional Development Minister, highlighted the importance of using regional events to showcase Western Australia’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The state’s stunning landscapes, combined with its deep Aboriginal cultural roots, make it a unique and sought-after destination for travellers. The Regional Events Scheme supports the promotion of these assets, offering visitors authentic, immersive experiences that allow them to connect with the state’s history and beauty.

By supporting events that celebrate these aspects of Western Australia’s identity, the government is strengthening the tourism sector and ensuring that the state remains a top destination for international and domestic tourists alike.

Creating Jobs and Supporting Regional Tourism Growth

The Regional Events Scheme has also played a key role in creating local employment opportunities. Events funded by the scheme create jobs across a wide range of industries, including hospitality, retail, event management, and transport services. These jobs not only support local communities but also contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector, ensuring that regional areas continue to benefit from increased visitor numbers.

In addition, the scheme encourages regional dispersal, ensuring that tourists are spread across the state and not concentrated in major cities. This approach helps balance tourism development and ensures that regional towns receive the attention they deserve, contributing to the overall economic development of the state.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Regional Tourism

As the Regional Events Scheme celebrates its 25th year, the government remains committed to supporting the growth of Western Australia’s tourism sector. The continued success of the scheme demonstrates its effectiveness in driving tourism and supporting regional economies. With new events being introduced each year and established events receiving ongoing support, the future of regional tourism in Western Australia looks promising.

The next round of funding for the Regional Events Scheme will open in June 2026, with regional event holders encouraged to apply for events scheduled between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2028. By continuing to invest in regional events, the government is ensuring that Western Australia’s tourism industry will continue to thrive and that its diverse regions will benefit from the economic opportunities created by these events.

Accessing Funding and Further Information

For those interested in applying for the next round of funding or learning more about the Regional Events Scheme, full details of the successful events and additional information can be found on the Tourism WA website. The site also provides a campaign toolkit for local businesses and tourism operators to help promote the region’s best caravaning and visitor assets.

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