Mid West cultural experiences and astrotourism funded under regional events scheme

A showcase of local produce, an art exhibition, and a cultural festival are among the Mid West events to receive a funding boost as part of a program aimed at bolstering WA’s tourism sector.

Almost 70 events will receive a share of $1 million through Tourism WA’s 2022-2023 Regional Events Scheme to help attract visitors and boost jobs in the bush.

The Morawa Biennial Art Awards and Exhibition is one of 13 new events to receive cash under the scheme, with Mullewa’s Ancient Land Under Blue Skies Festival, the Yalgoo Emu Festival, Mt Magnet’s Astro Rocks Fest and the next Mullewa Muster and Rodeo also getting funding.

In the Gascoyne, the Gascoyne Food Festival, Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash, Carnarvon Windfest and Exmouth’s game fishing competition were recipients of the scheme.

Minister for Tourism Roger Cook said these events would play a key role in stimulating the economy in regional communities.

“As Western Australia opens up to the rest of the world, regional events provide an opportunity for local, interstate and international visitors to go beyond city limits and to experience the unique features in each of our State’s wonderful regions,” he said.

“Our clear message to the rest of the country and the world is that Western Australia is well and truly open for business — all over the State.

“Regional events play an important role in attracting visitors to these areas, stimulating local economies by creating jobs and adding vibrancy to our dynamic regional communities.”