- Six Kimberley projects to receive $592,066 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grant funding
- Cook Government investments support regional job creation in medical innovation, Indigenous fashion and film, and childcare sectors
Six Kimberley projects will share in $592,066 funding which will help build regional business resilience and prosperity under Round 6 of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
The RED Grants program is a Cook Government initiative investing $50.85 million over nine years toward locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions.
A $120,000 grant will support Marine Biomedical Pty Ltd, an innovative medical biotech company utilising Broome’s pearling industry by-product, to purchase high-tech analysis equipment used in the production of their world-leading orthopaedic bone substitute product PearlBoneTM.
Yawuru Jarndu Aboriginal Corporation has been awarded a $140,000 grant to develop the Kimberley Fashion Industry Development Program, which builds on the successful SKUTTA Indigenous Fashion Showcase.
The funding will be used to implement workshops and network development within the Indigenous fashion sector, to find effective pathways for interstate and international manufacturing partnerships.
Two Kimberley childcare providers have been awarded $130,000 each to grow the sustainability of the local childcare educator workforce in the region.
One Tree Community Services Inc will use their grant to provide on-site mentoring through the Early Childhood Training and Development Pathway program in Derby.
Kununurra-based Ewin Early Learning Centre will use their grant to establish a childcare educator support program in Kununurra to address the shortage of early childhood educators in the East Kimberley.
Goolarri Media Enterprises Pty Ltd will receive $40,000 to deliver workshops and masterclasses alongside the CinefestOz First Nations’ film showcase in Broome.
Finally, Wawili Sound Solutions Pty Ltd will receive $32,066 to expand the facilities and capabilities of Australia’s only Indigenous sound production facility, presenting opportunities to increase film services offered in the Kimberley.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“It is inspiring to witness the Indigenous creative sector making significant strides with three successful projects. This demonstrates not only the immense talent within this group, but also the substantial potential for future growth and innovation.
“Addressing the current childcare constraints in our regions is an ambition of the Cook Government. The initiatives supported this year are designed to deliver timely, effective support, and help alleviate the pressure on families and childcare professionals. They also complement work being done in this area by Minister for Early Childhood Education Sabine Winton.
“We are fostering regional development that is not just transformative but ground-breaking globally, and Marine Biomedical’s PearlBoneTMtechnology is an excellent example of industry diversification, and ambitious value-added production in the remote Kimberley region.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“The RED Grants offer a unique opportunity to back local initiatives, foster economic growth and diversify our Kimberley industries.”
“Congratulations to all the successful recipients pushing the boundaries with their innovative concepts.
“This region’s strength truly lies within its talented individuals who constantly inspire, create, and innovate. Our shared success is a testament to the power of collaborative effort and forward thinking.”
Successful Round 6 RED Grant recipients Kimberley
Grant Applicant | Project | Grant Amount |
Yawuru Jarndu Aboriginal Corporation | To implement workshops and network development within the Indigenous fashion sector alongside the SKUTTA Indigenous fashion showcase. | $140,000 |
One Tree Community Services Inc | To improve the sustainability of the local workforce for early education and care in Derby by providing on-site mentoring and support. | $130,000 |
Ewin Early Learning Centre | To establish a childcare educator support training program in Kununurra, via the employment of a trainer/ mentor to support trainees. | $130,000 |
Marine Biomedical Pty Ltd | To purchase equipment for analysis of PearlBone, allowing instantaneous onsite analyses. | $120,000 |
Goolarri Media Enterprises Pty Ltd | To deliver workshops and masterclasses alongside the CinefestOz First Nations’ film showcase event to take place in Broome. | $ 40,000 |
Wawili Sound Solutions Pty Ltd | To expand the facilities and capabilities of Australia’s only Indigenous sound production facility, presenting opportunities to increase film services offered in Broome | $ 32,066 |
