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Funds relief for Bunbury events

Ailish DelaneyBunbury Herald

Bunbury’s tourism industry is on the road to recovery following an announcement that several events hosted in the city would receive State Government funding.

The Regional Events Scheme is designed to support the development of events as tourist attractions within regional WA and help kick-start regional tourism after the recent period of hardship.

Bunbury Fringe, WA State Road Cycling Championships and the Action Sports Games will receive a share in $1 million worth of funding, which has been invested for more than 70 regional events.

Seven events were awarded funding under the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme to showcase Aboriginal activities and experiences, as well as the WesTrac Bunbury Geographe Gift which received funding through previous RES rounds.

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Bunbury MLA Don Punch said tourism has faced the brunt of the impact of COVID-19, so the funding was important to begin to reactivate the sector.

“It is important we are able to establish certainty for the tourism industry and these funding announcements will help,” Mr Punch said.

Events are a great hook to bring visitors to our town so at a time when we are encouraging people to get out and explore our own State, these funded events will be great attractions for Bunbury.

Don Punch

“The vibrancy these events bring to our region will be especially appreciated after the unprecedented quiet period we experienced during the pandemic.”

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said regional WA had so much to offer, with one-of-a-kind events, unique experiences and more.

Now it is more important than ever to get behind these regional businesses, communities and tourism events.

Alannah MacTiernan

The funding support follows the government’s move to lift regional borders last week.

Due to the potential impact of COVID-19, successful funding applicants for the 2020-21 scheme have been given the option to hold their event between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

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