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Media statements – Applications open for regional event funding support

  • Applications open for 2023-24 Regional Events Scheme
  • Total funding of up to $1.1 million available for smaller and developing regional events across WA
  • Includes $250,000 for events supported through the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme
  • Supported by the McGowan Government through Tourism WA

Regional event holders are encouraged to apply for funding available through the 2023-24 Regional Events Scheme, which opens today.

 

Event holders can apply for funding between $5,000 and $40,000 for events to be held between 1 July, 2023 and 30 June, 2024.

 

The annual funding round supports smaller and developing events in regional Western Australia, with a total pool of up to $1.1 million of funding available.

 

The funding includes $250,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES) – an increase of $100,000 on the previous funding round – to support events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities and experiences through the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people.

 

Sixty-eight regional events around the State were awarded funding under the 2022-23 RES, including seven through the RAES, such as the A Taste of Broome Festival and the Karijini Experience.

 

The scheme is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions.

 

Applications close at 5pm, Tuesday 18 October, 2022. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/res.

 

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Roger Cook:

 

“Our regional events play such an important role in showcasing the unique places that make our State a popular holiday destination for visitors, particularly as we reconnect with the world and draw back international visitors.

 

“I encourage all eligible regional event holders to apply for the Regional Events Scheme to help their event become even bigger and better, and appeal to an even more diverse audience.

 

“These events help create a vibrant atmosphere, give people a time-specific reason to visit, and help to generate media coverage in our regions, which is all great news for local businesses.”

           

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

 

“It is great to see events happening all around the State which not only bring communities together but also attract visitors from near and far, supporting regional economies and jobs.

 

“The Regional Events Scheme provides a significant boost to regional event holders, supporting them to pursue their program of activities with confidence.

 

“Events are an essential part of the fabric of Western Australia’s regions, celebrating our communities’ diversity and talents, while providing opportunities for connection and support – essential to help maintain strong, robust communities.”

 

Minister’s office – 6552 6500

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City awards grants for downtown events, new applications open

City awards grants for downtown events, new applications open

The grant recipients are as follows:

  • NineBar Indoor Skate Facility and Summer Downtown Pop-Up Skate Park – $25,000
    • Transformation of an existing vacant downtown space into an indoor space for youth to skateboard, which will provide a year-round, safe space for them to exercise and find community. Additionally, a pop-up skate parks in specified locations downtown with movable features during the summer months.
  • Horses in the Park – $15,000
    • The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association will bring therapeutic horses to Galt Gardens to provide the benefits of equine facilitated wellness therapies in the core and to create an environment through interaction with horses for vulnerable people to connect meaningfully with existing medical and social service providers working to address issues of homelessness, addiction and mental health.
  • Lethbridge Pride Festival – $8,000
    • To be held in June 2022 to engage not only the 2SLGBTQIA+ but Lethbridge and surrounding areas in celebration.
  • Word on the Street Festival – $8,000
    • An outdoor literary event comprised of author readings for kids, teens and adults, workshops and panels, live music and activities, and exhibitor marketplace, in a street fair setting
  • Hootenanny! – $8,000
    • A free outdoor theatrical production for all ages presented in downtown Lethbridge at Galt Gardens throughout July. Hootenanny’s productions include diverse theatrical styles such as clown, puppetry, and physical theatre and embraces themes of inclusivity and diversity. This year’s production’s themes will centre around Indigenous ways of knowing and environmental awareness.
  • ARTcade – $5,638
    • The ARTcade concept is meant to bring the interest and joy of everyone’s favourite midway and arcade games to Lethbridge’s downtown. ‘Scaled-up’ versions of classic games like skee ball and plinko will bring interest and curiosity to the downtown, including the outside spaces around CASA and local businesses.
  • Jazz & Blues 2022 Event Series – $5,000
    • Lethbridge Jazz Society is hosting local and national artists in a series of live events in downtown Lethbridge, across a variety of venues.

With most COVID restrictions having been lifted, Heart of Our City Committee Chair Lorien Johansen says it is exciting to see outdoor events making their grand return.

“We are thrilled at the continued interest this program has received and we look forward to more events in 2022.”

Applications are now open for the next round of funding under the Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant.

Organizations are eligible for up to $25,000 from the Downtown Redevelopment Fund. The current intake of applications has been extended to April 22.

For more details, including how to apply, go to the City of Lethbridge’s website.

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Vancouver Mayor says staff working to expedite applications for community events

Vancouver Mayor says staff working to expedite applications for community events

VANCOUVER Mayor Kennedy Stewart on Friday in a statement on efforts to improve permitting for community events said: “As we reopen once again from COVID-19 and community groups look to scale up events, speeding up turnaround times and supporting economic recovery is a top priority for the city.

“I have heard directly from many community groups concerned about permitting timelines not being rapid enough to support successful summer events, and I want them to know our staff are working to expedite applications.

“Pandemic guidance from the Province is changing rapidly, and our staff are adjusting in real time to support the community – and I am grateful for their efforts.

“Timelines outlined in our event policies are targets, not hard and fast. I have spoken with our City Manager who assures me staff are aiming to shorten timelines for upcoming events where needed, in recognition that the loosening of pandemic restrictions mean many groups are working quickly to get events up and running.

“Our staff are working extremely hard to support community events and help businesses ramp up for the spring and summer months. We all know how important it is for everyone in the city to get back to the places and events they love.”