Grant set to boost festival for 20th year
HARVEY Harvest Festival will boast more entertainment for its 20th year after being named among 62 events in the latest round of the Regional Events Scheme.
The State Government-funded scheme is aimed at developing smaller regional events in WA with $850,000 shared between recipients, announced on May 6, for 2017 and 2018 events.
This is the second year the festival has been a recipient of a grant through the scheme and received $10,000 for next year.
Festival coordinator Lisa Bevans said next year would be the festival’s 20th year, and the grant money would go towards more entertainment and more in the free children’s area.
“To make it a bit more of a special event for everyone,” she said.
“We’re just putting together ideas at the moment.
“It just makes things a bit easier – it’s hard to get funding these days.”
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said not only did these events attract visitors, they create much-needed business and job opportunities in regional communities.
“The scheme is part of the Government’s plans to support the regions to showcase and promote their unique and diverse attractions, making them exciting places to visit and great places to live.”
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said that in 2016, visitors spent $10 billion in WA, including $4.7 billion in regional areas.
“Events play an important role in strengthening the economy by attracting visitors to the region, generating media attention which provides valuable exposure of the destination and adding vibrancy to the local community,” he said.
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