Six Kimberley projects announced as successful recipients of latest Regional Economic Development grants

More than $500,000 in funding has been shared amongst six Kimberley projects in the latest round of the Regional Economic Development grants by the State Government. The grants aim to build resilience and prosperity while supporting regional job creation in medical innovation, Indigenous fashion and film, and childcare sectors. Regional Development Minister Don Punch visited Nagula Jarndu Women’s Arts and Resource Centre in Broome on September 21 to announce the recipients of the grants. Medical biotech company Marine Biomedical Ltd received $120,000 to help them purchase high-tech analysis equipment used in the production of their orthopaedic bone substitute product PearlBone, allowing instant onsite analyses. Yawuru Jarndu Aboriginal Corporation were awarded $140,000 to develop the Kimberley Fashion Industry Development Program, which will be used to implement workshops and network development within the Indigenous fashion sector. Kimberley childcare providers One Tree Community Services Inc. and Ewin Early Learning centre each received $130,000 to grow the sustainability of the local childcare workforce in Derby and Kununurra respectively. Goolarri Media Enterprises Pty Ltd received $40,000 to deliver masterclasses and workshops alongside the CinefestOz First Nations’ film showcase happening in Broome between September 26 and September 29. Lastly, Wawili Sound Solutions - Australia’s only Indigenous sound production facility - received $32,066 to expand the facilities and capabilities to present opportunities to increase film services offered in the Kimberley. “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 growth and innovation,” Mr Punch said. “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 PearlBone technology is an excellent example of industry diversification, and ambitious value-added production in the remote Kimberley region.” Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the RED grants offered a unique opportunity to back local initiatives, foster economic growth and diversify Kimberley industries. “Congratulations to all the successful recipients pushing the boundaries with their innovative concepts,” she said. “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.”