Contemporary music peak body WAM have released their 2022 industry survey, designed to follow up on WAMCon 2022 and their 2021 industry Needs Assessment. The survey is open to all and should take less than 15 minutes to complete.

Take the WAM 2022 Industry Survey

The Australian and Western Australian Governments have signed a 12-month Skills Agreement to address the current skills shortage. The Agreement will inject $112 million into the Western Australian skills and training sector. This will provide approximately 18,800 Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) places in 2023. 
The course list, based on last year's enrolments, is estimated to see 2,400 places in technology and digital and 1,400 places in hospitality and tourism, 300 places in sovereign capability including manufacturing, and around 2,800 in other sectors including foundational skills.
The funding supports the new FREE IN '23 initiative, which is designed to reskill and upskill people for work in national and Western Australian priority sectors and covers:

• Course fees for 58 full TAFE qualifications; and
• Course fees and resource fees for 56 skills sets.

Read Premier Mark McGowan's media statement

Affectionately known as 'The Aussies', the 2023 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships will be held in Perth from the 25th March to the 2nd April 2023. More than 300 national teams will compete at Scarborough and Trigg beach. It is predicted to be one of WA's biggest mass participation events for 2023. 

A new chapter for the El Questro Resort in Western Australia has been flagged by owners G’day Group this week, with more accommodation and new cultural experiences to be created in partnership with Traditional Owners.

The announcement was made in partnership with the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) and the Western Australian Government, with a deal struck between the parties for G’day Group to lease back part of the 165,000 hectare parcel of El Questro land, which was this week handed back to the Wanjina Wungurr Wilinggin people by the WA Government 120 years after the area was originally established as a cattle station.

To continue operating a tourism business, G’day Group said they would purchase carbon credits from WAC so it could operate the property with net zero emissions, as well as implement more employment options for local Indigenous youth.

​The site in the Kimberley was purchased by G’day Group from Delaware North in Feb last year, operating two accommodation experiences, the Homestead resort and the Station, which includes a campground and bungalows.

Kidsport was set up to allow children aged between 5 and 18 years of age, who are named on a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card to access a $150 KidSport voucher. This voucher can be used at a KidSport approved club to support the costs of sport participation. 

131 new small bars have opened across Western Australia in the past five years. Reforms to liquor laws were introduced in 2018, which cut red tape and meant the cultural and tourism value of venues could be considered in determining liquor licence applications.
Following a challenging period for the hospitality scene, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has launched industry consultation to investigate further improvements to WA's liquor laws.
A range of potential improvements will be considered, including eliminating unnecessary red tape, a simpler licensing system, and a faster, more cost-effective approvals process.
Stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on the future of WA's liquor laws: access consultation

Margaret River and the South-West region's tourism, hospitality and events scene have been bolstered, with the popular Cabin Fever Festival set to return with an expanded program of events in 2023 and 2024. The 10-day food, wine and entertainment festival is spread across the South-West, with key events in Margaret River and Busselton, and further pop-up events spread across the region
The 2023 festival will run from 14 to 23 July and offer a mixture of free and ticketed events, encouraging visitors to enjoy the region during the off-peak season.
WA was named by Lonely Planet as one of the 30 best places in the world to visit in 2023, and Perth to Margaret River as one of the top 5 journeys.
WA's popularity has also been recognised by global media company FORBES naming Perth as one of the Top 10 places to visit in 2023, and Perth as the only Australian destination recognised, with the capital noted for offering a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere and a unique water-focused lifestyle.
More Information

The application round for local governments to receive funding for sport and recreation club management closes 23rd November 2022. Funding is dedicated to assist sport and recreation clubs with their organisational capacities including provision of learning and development, governance and management, and partnership with key stakeholder development. The Every Club Grant Scheme details are available online.

Applications are open until Monday 28th November 2022 for grants to help Western Australians become more active outdoors. There are two grant programs. One is an application for individual grants up to $25,000 to boost participation in hiking and trail running. The other is for organisations to apply for grants up to $50,000 to increase participation and inclusion in outdoor active recreation.  

The Australian Sports Commission is aiming to transform community sports coach education to a modernised approach. Their free online course focuses beyond the traditional skill development to servicing the needs and motivations of the individuals as well as creating a supporting, encouraging and inclusive environment.