Business creativity, vision and diversity feature in the latest round of Regional Economic Development (RED) grants in the Kimberley.
Eight recipients will share in a total of $667,951 from Round 3 of the McGowan Government’s RED grants program.
Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation at Derby will use a $96,581 grant to pilot an intensive hydroponic system to produce high-quality, fresh food while generating three ongoing jobs.
R.J. Agricultural Services will pilot the production and processing of plantago from which psyllium husk is derived with a grant of $88,800. Psyllium products are highly sought globally by the health food industry, and this project will introduce the first ever Australian processing and value adding capacity.
Yiyili Community Indigenous Corporation will use their $91,256 grant to build the new publically accessible Laarri Art Gallery, providing new opportunities to promote their culture and generate art sales.
Waringarri Arts Aboriginal Corporation will lead a co-operative project with Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency in Fitzroy Crossing, Mowanjum Art & Culture Centre in Derby, Waringarri Aboriginal Arts in Kununurra and Warmun Art using a $90,000 grant to develop new products and the business skills and capabilities of artists across the four centres.
The latest announcement of funds is in addition to the $1,559,628 approved for 18 projects in the Kimberley from the previous two rounds of RED grants.
The McGowan Government recently committed an additional $5 million to extend the RED grant program for another year, with a total of $33.8 million to be disseminated to regional communities over six years.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Kimberley has long been a haven for businesses with vision, creativity and diversity, which has been reflected in this latest round of RED grants.
“This round of grants will enable new industries and innovations to get ‘lift off’, while it will assist existing businesses to evolve, expand and build resilience.
“The RED grants program is making a real difference to regional communities right around our State, driving business development, economic growth and job creation.”
Successful Round 3 RED grant projects for the Kimberley:
| Applicant | Project | Funding |
| Waste Not Food Recycling | Black Soldier Fly Farming – to establish a pilot facility in Broome to feed organic waste to fly larvae and upcycle it into protein for feed and fertiliser products (previously announced) | $97,039 |
| Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation | Hydroponic fresh produce pilot – to purchase a hydroponic container to pilot fresh food production at the Derby Food Hub and improve living standards. | $96,581 |
| Yiyili Community Indigenous Corporation | Laarri Art Centre project – to relocate and refurbish the Halls Creek centre to a more prominent and functional location for artists and tourists and to encourage diversification of local indigenous art. | $91,256 |
| Karajarri Traditional Lands Association | Punturr Punturr Cultural Tourism Hub – to construct public ablutions with disabled access at Punturr Punturr (old Port Smith Bird Park), as part of the Karajarri Cultural Tourism Hub transformation. | $95,000 |
| Waringarri Arts Aboriginal Corporation | Kimberley Aboriginal Art – to develop the skills and capabilities of Aboriginal artists from four Kimberley art centres to develop new products, designs and markets. | $90,000 |
| R.J. Agricultural Services | Unlocking the value chain – to pilot plantago production and value add processing into psyllium husk for the health food industry in the Ord Valley. | $88,800 |
| Enterprise Partnerships | Piriwa Op Shop and Enterprise Hub – to establish a community hub to develop entrepreneurial capabilities, confidence and work readiness to activate the local Balgo economy. | $88,625 |
| Shire of Halls Creek | Halls Creek Indigenous Skills and Capabilities Development Program – to implement a driver training simulator to assist local job seekers to gain skills and capabilities to secure long-term employment. | $20,650 |
