A RECORD number of South West festivals, concerts and exhibitions have received a funding boost from the South West Development Commission in 2015.
A total of 56 events happening next year will share in $110,750 through the state government agency’s revamped South West Community Events Program, which this year introduced an online application process.
Commission chairman Stuart Hicks said they had received an unprecedented number of high quality applications and a decision was made to increase the money available by $10,750 to help as many events as possible.
“We’re delighted our financial helping hand will this year reach more events than ever,” he said.
“With our support, the South West will once again deliver a strong calendar of quality events that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
“And judging by the events we’ve funded, there’s going to be plenty to look forward to in the new year.”
Funding recipients include the Harvey Harvest Festival, Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Bunbury’s Re.Discover, Dunsborough Arts Festival, and Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival.
Mr Hicks said the Commission was pleased to provide financial assistance to events that deliver economic and social benefits to the communities they are held in as well as to the wider region.
“Events that bring people together, help to create vibrant communities, increase the profile of the region, or deliver an economic boost to the places they are held in provide wins for the region,” he said.
“It’s also worth noting that many of the events we’re supporting only happen because of the efforts of dedicated volunteers.
“It’s not easy putting on events, with a lot of work going on behind the scenes, and we applaud the people who put up their hands to stage all the festivals, concerts and sporting events people enjoy.”
South West Community Events Program funding recipients for 2015:
● Country Music Club of Boyup Brook – $4000 for Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
● Blackwood River Valley Marketing Association – $1000 for Rally in the Valley
● Manjimup Lions Club – $1000 for Jazz in the Jarrah
● Quinninup Community Association – $1000 for Quinninup Annual Market Day and Wine Tasting
● Blackwood River Chamber Festival – $1000 for Blackwood River Chamber Festival
● Friends to the Darradup Community – $1000 for Music in the Vineyard
● Blackwood Country Gardens – $3000 for Festival of Country Gardens
● Ficifolia Community Garden – $2000 for Live Life with Relish Festival
● Nannup Garden Village – $4500 for Nannup Flower and Garden Festival
● Balingup and Districts Tourism Association – $1000 for Telling Tales in Balingup
● Bridgetown-Greenbushes Business and Tourism – $3000 for Bridgetown in the Winter – Wonderful Winter Wonderland Opening Night
● Greenbushes Ratepayers and Residents Association – $1250 for Greenbushes Fun Run and Festival
● Manjimup Speedway Club – $2000 for USA Late Model Invasion Tour
● Blackwood Valley Wine Industry Association – $2500 for Taste of the Blackwood
● Good Times Arts – $2000 for Camp Doogs
● Golden Valley Tree Park – $1500 for Golden Valley Tree Park Spring Picnic
● Pemberton Visitor Centre – $2000 for Subaru Australian Mountain Bike Series Pemberton
● Flower Designers' Club of Bunbury – $1500 for Blooming Art Exhibition
● Val Lishman Health Research Foundation – $2000 for Qube Truck Pull and Festival
● WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod inc The City of Bunbury Eisteddfod
– $2500 for WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod inc The City of Bunbury Eisteddfod
● Bunbury Agricultural Society – $2500 for Bunbury Show – Horse and Country Music Event
● Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival – $2500 for Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival
● Rotary Club of Collie – $1000 for Collie Tourist Mine Refurbishment – Grand Opening
● Harvey Mainstreet – $2500 for Harvey Harvest Festival
● Stirling Street Arts Centre – $1000 for Bunbury Summer School
● Bunbury Geographe Marketing Alliance – $2000 for Geographe Crush Food and Wine Festival
● Bunbury and Districts Power Boat Club – $1500 for Millard Classic Fishing Competition
● Bunbury Respect – $1000 for Rally 4 Respect
● Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre – $1000 for Out of the Box + Into the Cube Art Party
● Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre – $2000 for Shorelines Writing for Performance Festival
● Bunbury Regional Art Galleries – $1500 for Noongar Country Exhibition Opening and Family Day Event
● Boyanup Foundation – $1500 for Traditional Trades at the South West Rail and Heritage Centre
● Collie Early Years Network – $1000 for Harmony Day Festival
● Collie Cycle Club – $2000 for 2015 Collie Community Bank Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic
● Koombana Bay Sailing Club – $2500 for 2014 Australian Hobie Cat Nationals
● City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club – $1500 for Classic Down Wind Paddle and Classic Swim
● Collie Gallery Group – $2000 for Arthur Boyd: An Active Witness
● Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry – $3000 for Collie Pedal Prix
● South West Women’s Health and Information Centre – $1000 for Women’s Fun Run and Walk
● Six Two Three Zero – $2500 for Re.Discover
● Collie Early Years Network – $1000 for Family Day
● Busselton Runners Club – $1500 for Busselton Runners Club Half Marathon and Fun Run
● The Busselton Art Society – $1000 for 55th Annual Art in the Park
● Busselton Community Garden – $2000 for Busselton Community Garden Open Day
● Triathlon Western Australia – $3500 for SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon
● Woolkabunning Kiaka – $2500 for Kambarang – South West Aboriginal Gourmet Experience
● Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association – $1500 for Dunsborough Arts Festival
● Busselton Wildflower Exhibition – $1500 for Busselton Wildflower Exhibition
● Port Geographe Aquatic Sports – $3500 for Geographe Bay Raceweek
● Arts Margaret River – $3500 for Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival
● Augusta River Festival – $3000 for Augusta River Festival
● Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association – $1500 for Bendigo Bank Dunsborough Bay Fun Run
● Margaret River Regional Open Studios – $3500 for Margaret River Regional Open Studios
● Tasar Association of WA – $3500 for Geographe Bay Tasar World Championship
● Country Women's Association of Western Australia – $1500 for CWA of WA 91st State Conference
● Margaret River Concert Band – $1000 for Margaret River Concert Band Intergenerational Concert
