Cash injection for events in the South West

Next year residents and visitors to the region will be treated to 50 different events, thanks to support from the South West Development Commission.

Organisations involved with various events throughout the South West received a share in $147,500 through the South West Events Program.

Commission chairman Stuart Hicks said events supported and benefited the region.

“Not only do events create vibrancy in communities, but they also attract people to the places they are held in, lift the profile of the region and contribute to the local economy,” Mr Hicks said.

“Many events receiving a financial helping hand are driven by volunteers, so this funding will support their efforts to make our cities and towns such great places to live and visit.”

This year the long established Harvey Harvest Festival, which attracts between 12,000 and 15,000 people each year, received $4000.

Festival coordinator Lisa Bevans said the money would go towards the entertainment and kids zone for the event held on March 19.

“We always have a range of activities for children and families to enjoy, with interactive games and face painting a feature,” she said.

“The festival showcases the region and of course there will be the famous grape stomping.”

A new project by the John Boyle O’Reilly Association received $2000 to go towards the In Search of the Vigilant film, produced by talent in the region this year.

Director Peter Murphy said the 30-minute short film would premiere in March next year and the money would go towards promoting the film, with the possibility of entering it into Cinefest Oz.

“The response from the community has been amazing and I believe it will generate tourism in the South West,” Mr Murphy said.

“It showcases some picturesque locations in the South West to portray the story of John Boyle O’Reilly, an Irish convict who made a daring escape to America in 1869 off Buffalo Beach on an American whaler.”