CITS Great Southern

Have an idea that could draw a crowd to regional WA?

Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme is now open for 2027–28, supporting events that bring communities together and draw visitors to regional WA.

This funding includes $250,000 dedicated to the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES) to support events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities and experiences.

If you’re planning something special between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2028, you can apply for funding from $5,000 to $40,000.

Applications close 5.00pm Friday, 24 July 2026.

Find out more and apply: www.tourism.wa.gov.au/res

Better governance, stronger clubs 🏈

Build confidence, clarity and capability in your club or association with the Grassroots governance 101 webinar.

Facilitated by Caroline Robinson from 150Square, this practical one-hour session breaks governance down into simple, easy to apply steps so you can make an immediate impact in your organisation.

Whether you are new to committee work or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will help strengthen sport and recreation groups across regional communities. 🌱🏏

📅 Monday 29 June 2026
🕔 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
📍 Online via Microsoft Teams
Register here 👉 https://bit.ly/4eSfXF7

Kick-off in the Great Southern looks a little different 🦘⚽

Even the kangaroos at Camp Quaranup are getting in on the World Cup action! And with Calcio Italiano landing this August, the love of the game is only just getting started: https://bit.ly/3Sa2CiB

Spotted any World Cup spirit close to home?

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Grab a cuppa and join us to hear about the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport's Regional Governance Education Program, which aims to address key capability gaps identified within the regional sport and recreation sector.

This Coffee and Chat will provide an overview of the program and key dates. Key benefits and opportunities for sport and recreation clubs and associations. Also highlighting insights to support local governments in promoting the program within their communities.

🗓️ Thursday 25 June, 10am
Register now 🔗3acec31d-df25-43e9-8cfb-db3bf5687bbf@c1ae0ae2-d504-4287-b6f4-7eafd6648d22" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3acec31d-df25-43e9-8cfb-db3bf5687bbf@c1ae0ae2-d504-4287-b6f4-7eafd6648d22

Last week we were thrilled to host Jacqui Jashari, Executive Director of Sport & Recreation from the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sport (CITS), for a regional visit across our beautiful Great Southern.

Jacqui spent time with our CITS regional staff, connected with members of our Sportshouse Team, and visited a range of local clubs and facilities that showcase the strength of community sport in our region. From Local Government, community projects to iconic local landmarks, the visit highlighted the passion and partnerships that make the Great Southern such a vibrant place to live, play and belong.

Jacqui connected with local government representatives and got out on the ground to see projects in action. Stops included Albany Golf Club, the Mounts Trails Project, Youth Challenge Park, Centennial Park Sporting Precinct, Great Southern Academy of Sport, Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Denmark Surf Life Saving Club, Sounness Park Sporting Precinct and even a quick visit to the Big Bat in Narrikup.

Jacqui also spent time with the dedicated team at Camp Quaranup and met with the Board and athletes from the Great Southern Academy of Sport.

Our Regional Manager, Mel Eastough, travelled with Jacqui to Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker, meeting with the The City of Albany, Shire of Denmark and Shire of Plantagenet staff to discuss local priorities and opportunities for future collaboration.

✨ What this visit achieved: • A deeper understanding of our regional context • Stronger connections with local governments, clubs and community partners • A chance to celebrate the incredible people and projects shaping sport and recreation in the Great Southern.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed Jacqui, shared insights, and showcased the outstanding work happening across the region. We’re proud of the partnerships that continue to strengthen community sport and recreation in the Great Southern.

Your phone just got better at helping you get outdoors! 📱 🌿

The recently launched Trails WA App brings more than 1,100 official trails across WA into one place. It’s easy to use and built for exploring, wherever you are in WA.

You’ll find trusted trail information, GPS navigation, offline maps, and walking, riding, paddling and trail running experiences. On selected trails, you can also discover stories about culture, nature, geology and dark skies.

Whether you’re planning a weekend walk, a regional road trip or a bigger trail adventure, the Trails WA App helps you explore with confidence.

Download the free Trails WA App on iOS and Android ➡️ https://trailswa.com.au/get-the-trails-wa-app

Developed with the support of Lotterywest and the WA Government.

Regional Arts WA is bringing people together for a free webinar to share tools from Creative Workplaces for building stronger creative organisations and businesses in regional WA.

Whether you are leading an organisation or supporting a creative crew, it is a chance to learn, reflect and connect with others shaping WA’s creative workplaces to be more fair, safe and respectful.

Keen to dive in? Check out the session and see what’s possible 👇

FREE WEBINAR
▶️ Introducing Creative Workplace: Tools to build stronger creative organisations and businesses in regional WA
🗓️ Thursday, 18 June 2026 (1pm)
📋 Register now: https://regional-arts-wa-49015373.hubspotpagebuilder.au/creative-workplace-webinar-june2026

Join us for our June webinar as we take a deep dive into Creative Workplaces and explore what fair, safe and respectful workplaces mean for a thriving arts sector.

Designed for the WA regional arts sector, this session will guide participants through the Creative Workplaces website and highlight practical tools and resources to support better practice.

Check the registration link for more details!

Good sport starts with good people and the right conversations ⚽ 🌟

Coffee and Chat loading... ☕️

Grab a cuppa and join us to hear about the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport's Regional Governance Education Program, which aims to address key capability gaps identified within the regional sport and recreation sector.

This Coffee and Chat will provide an overview of the program and key dates. Key benefits and opportunities for sport and recreation clubs and associations. Also highlighting insights to support local governments in promoting the program within their communities.

🗓️ Thursday 25 June, 10am
Register now 🔗 3acec31d-df25-43e9-8cfb-db3bf5687bbf@c1ae0ae2-d504-4287-b6f4-7eafd6648d22" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3acec31d-df25-43e9-8cfb-db3bf5687bbf@c1ae0ae2-d504-4287-b6f4-7eafd6648d22

Our CITS Regional Manager and Regional Officer for the Great Southern were honoured to attend the NRW Breakfast Broadcast in Kinjarling with Reconciliation WA, followed by the Great Southern Pilot RAP Launch. 2 powerful gatherings that brought community, truth‑telling, and commitment to the forefront.

The Great Southern Pilot RAP Launch marked a powerful national first. It was a milestone moment bringing community together to honour truth, culture, and the shared journey of reconciliation.

The artwork Our Heartland — Ngallak Koort Boodja (Our Heart Country), is a reminder of the deep physical and spiritual connection the Menang Noongar people hold with this land. Its story reflects the strength, resilience, and enduring custodianship that continues to guide us.

During Reconciliation Week, we pay respect to Menang Elders past and present, and we reaffirm our responsibility to listen, learn, and walk together toward a future shaped by understanding and shared purpose.

Fast times run in the family in Denmark. 🏃‍♀️

Ginger Gleeson is already turning heads on the track with a number of state and national golds.

But there’s one record sitting closer to home than most; one set by her coach, mentor and mother, former national champion Rebecca Gleeson.

The Gleesons are supported through the WA Government’s Regional Athlete Support Program, delivered by the Great Southern Academy of Sport, helping regional athletes and coaches stay local while aiming high.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4f0mka5