Epicentre of events

The City of Busselton will return as the events capital of WA in the coming months as 26 South West events receive State Government funding through the 2020-21 Regional Events Scheme.

The program, launched yesterday, ensures Capes events such as the Eagle Bay Epic, X-Adventure Dunsborough, the Western Australian Pro Surf Series, the Busselton Jetty Swim, Forest Rally, Cabin Fever Festival, Margaret River Region Open Studios and Jazz by the Bay will continue to be supported through the scheme.

The inaugural Busselton Jetty Festival of Fizz and Squid Fest will also receive RES funding.

Event organisers will need to observe COVID-19 rules and may have to deliver the event in a modified form to comply with restrictions. With this in mind, the WA Government has extended the time for successful recipients to hold the events until December 31.

South West MLC Adele Farina said the events would attract visitors, add vibrancy to the region and support local tourism.

“As we recover from COVID-19, this funding is more welcome than ever and will signal the South West is open for business,” she said.

“I encourage all in the community to get behind these events to ensure they are a great success, and to do so responsibly, observing the restrictions put in place to keep everyone safe.”

The Festival of Fizz will feature locally produced sparkling beverages. It will also mark the opening of the Village project — a giant glasshouse to be built at the end of the Busselton Jetty.

Squid Fest will feature food demonstrations, fire displays, squid fishing clinics, markets and kites.

For more details visit the event websites.