Vital funding secures place on calendar for Karijini Experience

The Karijini Experience, Ningalens Film Competition and City to Surf for Activ regional series have shared in $850,000 of funding from the State Government’s regional events scheme for 2016-17.

Karijini Experience organiser Sarah Kemp said the funding and support would be critical to securing the long-term sustainability of the event.

“Having just delivered the 2016 (Karijini Experience), this is the first funding secured for 2017 and provides a very solid foundation from which to grow and deliver the event next year,” she said.

“As part of this funding KE staff have already attended a workshop on risk management, a great opportunity for capacity building.”

Ms Kemp said it was important for the State Government to support events such as the Karijini Experience.

“Events such as Karijini Experience deliver multiple benefits for the region including, direct economic flow-through into our local communities,” she said.

“It helps drive growth in tourism, it is providing a platform to celebrate the cultural and environmental values of the region and also it provides opportunity for capacity building and community development in the delivery of the event.”

Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett said the Regional Events Scheme provided vital support to kick-start and develop events which involved local communities and attracted visitors and media coverage.

“Including the latest recipients, the scheme has supported more than 300 regional events since 2011, helping to shape WA as an exciting destination with year-round activities to provide an extra drawcard for visitors,” he said.

“In 2015, visitors spent $9 billion in the State, including $4 billion in regional areas.

“We want to see this regional contribution grow to $4.75 billion by 2020, and events are key to that goal.”

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the investment played a crucial role in positioning regional WA as a recognised tourism destination.

“Regional events generate jobs and business opportunities for local communities, and deliver significant social and economic benefits to the regions,” he said.

“Strong regional communities bring prosperity to WA and I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions invest in the sustainability of our regions.”

The scheme will also continue to support Karratha’s Red Earth Arts Festival.