- 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 $50.85 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 $170,838 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.
As stated by 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.”
As stated by 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.”
