Five Kimberley projects will benefit from funding under round five of the McGowan Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The McGowan Government’s RED Grants program has invested $45.8 million over eight years in local projects across Western Australia’s regions, to drive economic development and support regional communities.
Successful projects in round five will diversify the tourism and hospitality sector, support new agricultural products & services, and deliver alternative energy solutions in the region.
Generators & Off-Grid Energy Pty Ltd is receiving $176,000 to establish operations in the East Kimberley, employ eight employees and provide training for electricians to provide alternative, ‘whole system’ energy solutions for residents and businesses in the region.
Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation will use the $82,473 to build a tissue culture laboratory, and processing, packing and storage facility for their gubinge plantation. The project will also help with implementing the production of new native teas.
Indigenous-owned business Walaja Raw Bush Honey will receive $90,000 to construct a purpose-built facility in Broome to expand commercial honey production and pollination services, as well as continued employment and training of Aboriginal beekeepers.
The Carbonating the Kimberley project will receive $200,000 to construct the Kimberley’s first and only beverage manufacturing facility at the Hoochery Distillery. The project will focus on mid and zero strength alcohol products, expanding the product range and enabling additional employment.
The Kimberley Arts Network will use their $75,000 funding to repurpose an art space in Broome, which will offer training, workshops and exhibitions for the community.
Round five of the Kimberley RED Grants was announced at the manufacturing premises of Lakeside Minerals in Broome, which was funded by a previous REDs Grant of $150,000 in April this year to build their stock feed and supplement business supplying the pastoral sector across the Kimberley.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Once again, the RED Grants continue to support local businesses and organisations to develop, grow and diversify to better service regional communities.
“It is very important to diversify and expand economic opportunities in the Kimberley.
“We need to expand non-government employment opportunities and foster Aboriginal enterprises.”
As stated by As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“It is great to see grants supporting different industries. The Kimberley region is rich in its diversity and the projects are exciting initiatives for the town and communities.
“Congratulations to all of the successful recipients with their innovative concepts that are helping our Kimberley economy and showcasing innovation, arts and aboriginal businesses.”
Successful round five RED Grant recipients – Kimberley
| Grant Applicant | Project Description | Grant Amount |
| Generators & Off-Grid Energy Pty Ltd | The project is to establish operations in the East Kimberley to provide alternative energy solutions for residents and businesses. 8 new staff will be employed and training for electricians will be provided to comply with solar industry certification. | $176,000 |
| Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation | The project will expand the technical capability to research and develop tissue culture cultivars and rootstock of kakadu plum (also known as gubinge) by establishing a tissue culture laboratory, processing and packing room and storage. Diversification of production to include native teas will be implemented. | $132,473 |
| Walaja Raw Bush Honey | The project will construct a purpose-built facility to expand commercial production of pollen, honey, queen bees and contribute to further employment and training of Aboriginal beekeepers. The beekeeping business and pollination services provided to regional farms will also experience further growth. | $90,000 |
| Kimberley Arts Network | The project will refurbish an existing building into a fit-for-purpose community art space that is secure and can be utilised year round for training, workshops and exhibitions. | $75,000 |
| Hoochery Distillery | This project will see the creation of the first carbonated beverage manufacturing facility in the Kimberley which includes fermenting, batching and blending facilities as well as a canning line. This will be the only facility manufacturing retail, ready to drink, Kimberley specific beverage products in the region and will focus on mid and zero strength alcohol products. | $200,000 |
