Six Great Southern businesses awarded RED Grants to improve business growth and strengthen the economy

Six Great Southern businesses will take their next step forward after securing a share of $1.02 million in Regional Economic Development Grant funding, aimed at driving new business growth. Awarded under round eight of the State Government program, the funding backs projects that expand capability, open new markets and strengthen the long-term resilience of local industries. The grants are part of a $60.5m State investment spread over 11 years supporting locally led initiatives through WA’s nine regional development commissions. By targeting innovation and diversification, the program continues to help regional businesses adapt, evolve and create new opportunities. Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson gave out the grants to local businesses in Albany on Friday. J&S Castlehow Electrical Services, Albany were awarded $200,000 which they will use for a new industrial switchboard laser cutter. This will help them to expand from minor fabrication into certified and advanced switchboard manufacturing, creating new jobs and training opportunities. Another $200,000 was awarded to Fulcher Contractors to construct a new heavy plant workshop and training facility at its Mt Barker base. This will help the company to deliver contracting works and create new opportunities for skilled workers, apprentices and trainees. Nowanup Noongar Boodjar has received $160,000 to construct a multipurpose workshop which will support growth in Aboriginal tourism and environmental management. The funding will help strengthen Indigenous employment opportunities and improve landcare management outcomes in the region. In the agribusiness sector, Frankland Landholdings received $180,000 to build an agribusiness hub in Frankland River. The purpose-built hub will help to expand local agronomy, soil testing and advisory services in the Great Southern. Two hospitality businesses in the Great Southern also received funding to help expand what the region had to offer visitors. A grant of $175,000 has been awarded to Denmark Hotel Operations to revamp their upstairs accommodation. The area is currently unused so these upgrades will allow for premium budget accommodation for short-term workers and travellers. Yefsea will receive $105,000 to support a new fit-out of a new local seafood restaurant and takeaway at the Albany waterfront. J&S Castlehow Electrical Services director Brett Sutton said the money would be able to provide the business with new opportunities. “This is creating opportunities for young guys and also the old existing guys by streamlining things and being able to use more modern techniques,” he said. “It’s the second time we have put in for RED’s, so second time lucky.” Mr Dawson said the grants were highly competitive and would unlock new opportunities for all local businesses. “We are getting more competitive, we had 34 applications for the Great Southern and the six here today are the cream of the crop,” he said. “As a State Government we are very keen to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses right across the State benefit and help the community and business grow to create further jobs and create more economic opportunities for people there. “We’re really excited to see how these projects roll out.” Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby said these grants would provide economic benefits across the region. “By backing locally led initiatives from Albany through to Mt Barker, Frankland River, Nowanup and Denmark, the RED Grants program is delivering real economic benefits for Great Southern communities,” he said. Samantha Rowe MLC said the grants would help to create jobs and strengthen the economy. “The latest round of RED Grants is driving investment and innovation across the Great Southern, boosting local industries and creating new jobs,” she said. “These grants are empowering communities across the region deliver projects that will strengthen the region’s economic future.”