AFL Masters Broome Carnival & Taste of Broome receive state funding for 16/17

Written on the 1 June 2016

Two Broome events have been approved to receive funding under the State's Regional Events Scheme for financial year 16/17.

The AFL Masters Carnival will bring hundreds of people to Brome as teams from around the state congregate for a week-long sporting carnival October 1-8 this year.

A Taste of Broome by Goolarri Media will also receive a much needed boost to deliver the event this year.

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.

"The record funding pool of up to $850,000 in 2016-17 has meant 12 events received sponsorship through the scheme for the first time, while more established events have the chance to grow bigger and better," Mr Barnett said.

"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.\

"Tourism is a major contributor to regional economies.  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 Royalties for Regions 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," Mr Redman said.

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

Fact File

Royalties for Regions supports Tourism WA's Regional Events Program with $80 million over eight years for initiatives including the Regional Events Scheme

To view the list of successful 2016-17 Regional Events Scheme recipients, visit http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/RES

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700