What is the Regional Events Scheme?
One of two funding pools we have open to regional event holders, Regional Events Scheme (RES) provides funding to small-scale or developing regional events across Western Australia.
Tourism WA provides RES funding to events held in one of WA's nine regions which align to the following objectives:
- VISITATION - Bring additional visitation and expenditure to regions, including during off-peak and shoulder seasons.
- ECONOMIC - Support economic growth in the region, including through local job creation, career and capability development.
- MEDIA - Raise the profile of the region through event promotion and media coverage.
- SOCIAL - Promote inclusive and sustainable event practices and improve the vibrancy, social amenity and wellbeing in regional WA.
In 2025-26 RES round, 63 events were awarded funding, including six through the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme.
The Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES) is part of the RES funding awarded each year with $150,000 available in 2025-26 for Aboriginal events.
To be eligible for RAES funding, your event must deliver Aboriginal activities and experiences through the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people.
How to apply?
The 2026-27 RES funding round will be open from 9am (AWST) Monday 18 August and will close 5pm (AWST) Friday 19 September 2025 (no applications will be accepted after this time). Applications will only be accepted online via the SmartyGrants application form.
You can apply for funding between $5,000 and $40,000 per year. The total funding amount available in the 2026-27 RES round is up to $1 million including a separate pool of up to $150,000 exclusively for RAES events.
All applications are evaluated against a set criteria which can be found in the RES guidelines. Funding is awarded through a competitive process so sometimes events that meet the criteria may not be funded.