- Seven Kimberley
projects to share in $1 million Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant
funding
- Cook Government investments support regional job creation in agricultural, Indigenous
fashion, tourism, training and planning sectors
Seven Kimberley projects will share in $1 million funding to help build
regional business resilience and economic diversity under Round 7 of the
Regional Economic Development Grants program.
The RED Grants program is a Cook Government initiative investing $55.85
million over nine years toward locally-driven projects to stimulate economic
growth in the regions.
The announcement was made in Kununurra today at the Ord River District
Co-operative (ORDCO), who were among the successful Kimberley recipients in
Round 7.
A $220,000 grant will support ORDCO to establish a cotton classing
facility in Kununurra, to support the developing cotton industry and complement
the cotton processing gin under construction in the region. The facility will remove the need for
Kimberley cotton to leave the region for classing and will reduce costs and
delays for Ord growers.
The project is expected to
attract investment and jobs to the region, with ORDCO partnering with Australian Classing Services to bring the
technical knowledge and training required to run the facility.
Also among the Round 7 recipients is Broome-based Yawuru Jarndu
Aboriginal Corporation, which was awarded $154,000 in funding to deliver an
Aboriginal fashion business incubator to eight Aboriginal businesses.
This project builds on the successful Kimberley Fashion Industry
Development Program funded in the last round of Kimberley REDs and SKUTTA
Indigenous fashion showcase.
The funding will be used to directly support independent business growth
and development for Indigenous designers, textile producers and makers in the
Kimberley, with up to eight labels supported representing 26 local textile
artists and designers.
A $170,832 grant was allocated to Kullarri Regional Communities
Indigenous Corporation to establish a food truck social enterprise and create
employment opportunities on the Dampier Peninsula.
The project will create a minimum of 11 new jobs for Aboriginal people
in Broome and surrounding remote communities, to operate food vans at Beagle
Bay, Bidyadanga and Town Beach on a regular basis and offer catering services
to community events.
Broome Weddings and Events will use their $130,000 to establish an
all-seasons wedding and event space in Broome. The expanded kitchen will
streamline food preparation and service for up to 200 guests, reducing reliance
on mobile kitchens and improving overall event efficiency.
The project will attract more events to the iconic tourism destination,
including weddings and corporate gatherings and the all-weather section will extend
the operational season during inclement weather.
Successful projects in Round 7 will diversify the agribusiness and
tourism offering in the Kimberley, and support the expansion of Aboriginal
employment and services in the region.
Comments attributed to Regional Development
Minister Don Punch:
"It is inspiring to witness four Aboriginal-led projects making
significant strides in the latest round of Regional Economic Development Grants
in the Kimberley.
"This demonstrates not only the immense talent within this group, but
also the substantial potential for future growth and job creation for Indigenous
people in the region.
"With a record $10 million on offer for Round 7 'Mega REDs', we are
fostering regional development that is making meaningful change, creating real
jobs and diversifying regional economies."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina
D'Anna:
"The RED Grants offer a unique opportunity to diversify our regional economies
and create new jobs and sustainable employment opportunities.
"Since the inception of the program, our Government has invested more
than $4.1 million dollars into locally-driven projects in the Kimberley.
"Congratulations to all the successful recipients this year; the diverse
range of projects reflect the robust, thriving, and innovative work happening
across the region."
Successful Round 7 RED Grant recipients - Kimberley
