The McGowan Government has made a $300,000 contribution to support the latest addition to Western Australia’s events calendar, “Shore Leave”, a vibrant new festival of seafood, culture and adventure in Geraldton from May 6-9, 2021.
The upcoming festival will be a haven for foodies, with an opportunity to enjoy premium Mid West produce – including internationally-renowned Western rock lobster, as well as other local seafood, meat, fruit, vegetable, grains and beverages.
The four-day extravaganza will be a tourism drawcard for the region which boasts the best of sea and country, with stunning beaches and coastline, intriguing history and a thriving arts scene.
Events like the Geraldton festival play a key role in stimulating community vitality, while promoting what the regions have to offer and their contribution to economic growth and jobs in WA.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This new festival in Geraldton will showcase the stunning food, tourism destinations, culture and entertainment on offer in the Mid West region.
“It will be a celebration of the lobsters that have made the Mid West renowned around the world.
“Occasions like this bring people into our regions and enable them to share their unique assets, generating a boon for local businesses that will last long after the last stall is packed away.”
As stated by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:
“The Geraldton festival is great news for our Mid West fisheries which have faced some considerable challenges in the past year, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a difficult trading environment.
“Our government has been working closely with the Western Rock Lobster Council and the WA Fishing Industry Council to put in place a range of licencing measures and management adjustments to assist commercial operations as the industry rebuilds markets and supply chains.
“There is a lot to celebrate about WA’s valuable lobster industry, which is worth more than $400 million per annum, and will no doubt be a centrepiece attraction of the festival.”
