GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Artwork by Rose Mitchell at Judumul Cultural Hub
Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Don Punch, with successful Round 6 RED Grants recipients
The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout the Goldfields-Esperance region and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities, and their cultures, and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
The Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants Program is a State Government initiative that invests in local projects promoting sustainable jobs, partnerships, productivity, skills and capability, as well as stimulating new investment and industry diversification. This publication provides highlights about successful RED projects funded since 2018-19 in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
• Sustainable jobs
• Expanding or diversifying industry
• Developing skills or capabilities
• Attracting new investment in the region
• Increasing productivity
The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) administers the RED Grants for the Goldfields-Esperance region. Projects funded through the RED Grants Program align with the program objectives while meeting economic and community priorities important to the region.
Through the RED Grants Program the State Government drives outcomes that create prosperity, build capacity and reduce inequality. Direct investment into projects that reduce barriers for economic participation, stimulate SME growth, develop clusters of innovation or leverage regional strengths are ways to generate economic development in the regions of Western Australia.
This booklet provides a snapshot of the Goldfields-Esperance RED Grants recipients and information on current projects that are underway.
Lake Ballard near Menzies - Image Tourism WA
27 PROJECTS FUNDED
$3.9M OVER 3.9 MILLION AWARDED SO FAR
142 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
$16.8M APPLICATIONS REQUESTING
Judumul Aboriginal Corporation received $113,000 funding during Round 5 of the GoldfieldsEsperance RED Grants Program. Through this grant, the Aboriginal Corporation has been able to purchase specialised equipment that will enable local Aboriginal artists to design and create wearable art products for sale at the Judumul Cultural Hub in Coolgardie. First Nations artists at the Judumul Hub are able to produce work and earn an income from the wearable art, creating
meaningful employment to local people. Their products are First Nations owned, produced and made in Australia, with support from the Shire of Coolgardie and the GEDC team.
This has created a fantastic opportunity to build tourism within Coolgardie and allows other areas within WA to also produce their own wearable art instead of having source suppliers from the eastern states or overseas.
The Esperance Honey Facility Upgrade and B-Qual Certification project received $133,200 funding in Round 3 of the Goldfields-Esperance RED Grants Program. Funding was used to support business expansion, to increase production and diversify product offerings. The project saw the upgrade of the facility and purchase of new equipment for
increased processing, creation of new product lines and attainment of industry certification. The facility expansion and additional equipment dramatically increased processing capacity and generated new employment opportunities, while assisting in differentiated products and providing support for new domestic and future export markets.
Kai Rho Contracting recently received $235,000 funding through the RED Grants Program to purchase a dual cab grader for civil projects and the training of new grader operators in the region.
The new equipment will increase the number of skilled operators for the civil construction industry
in the Goldfields, by building an experienced local workforce to meet growing road network needs, including civil support for projects such as the Outback Highway and Wiluna to Meekatharra Road. It will allow for on-the-job training to upskill existing and new Aboriginal employees, and support future Aboriginal procurement opportunities.
Bread Local received $129,000 funding through Round 5 of the Goldfields-Esperance RED Grants Program. The funding will support the purchase of essential equipment and facility upgrades to expand the niche bakery.
Hidden under the gum trees located West of Esperance, Bread Local offers a range of delicious wood fired baked goods for locals and visitors looking for a unique experience. The bakery will be multifunctional, operating as a café, event venue, retailer and tourism offering.
This funding enabled the bakery to significantly increase production by providing a much-needed power and equipment upgrade and additional infrastructure which will allow further diversification to their products and services.
This includes increasing capacity to host a range of food and outdoors events as well as provide additional services, recreational activities and employment opportunities in Esperance.
For further information on RED GrantS Project and State Government funding contact
Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission
E. info@gedc.wa.gov.au www.gedc.wa.gov.au
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Office
Viskovich House
377 Hannan Street
Kalgoorlie WA 6430
T. 08 9080 5000
As publishers of this document, the
Esperance Office Suite 26c Dutton Arcade 91 Dempster Street
Esperance WA 6450
T. 08 9083 2222