Release Date: 13 February 2012
Portfolio: Tourism, Regional Development
- 10th anniversary of Geographe Bay Race Week
- Expected to attract more than 100 yachts and 1,000 sailors
- Supported by Eventscorp’s RES, jointly funded through Royalties for Regions
Western Australia’s biggest and longest yachting regatta takes off this week from Busselton’s idyllic Port Geographe Marina.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said it was expected that more than 100 yachts and 1,000 sailors would set sail in the Redink Homes Geographe Bay Race Week, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
“This decade-old sporting event will see an action-packed week of racing on the water and on-shore activities, including a community picnic,” Dr Hames said.
“Regional events are important as they provide significant economic, social and cultural benefits to the community, as well as increase the region’s profile through media exposure.”
The State Government is proud to support the event through Eventscorp's Regional Events Scheme (RES), which is partly funded by the Royalties for Regions program.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said Royalties for Regions had provided a $40million boost over four years to regional events, including $1.8million for the RES. With funding from Eventscorp, this brought the total support for the scheme to $3million.
”It is great to see that through the RES, Royalties for Regions can support important regional events like the Redink Homes Geographe Bay Race Week,” Mr Grylls said.
“The Government recognises that regional events promote regional development by expanding opportunities for people in regional WA. It is important for regional communities to experience high quality and entertaining events in their local area.”
Fact File
- Redink Homes Geographe Bay Race Week runs from February 17-24, 2012
- Started in 2003 as a small regatta with 32 yachts and 100 sailors
- For more information, visit http://www.gbyc.com.au
Tourism Minister’s office - 6552 5300
Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000