2009 CATEGORY WINNERS AND FINALISTS

Eventscorp, a division of Tourism Western Australia
Busselton Ironman

The Western Australian Ironman Triathlon held annually in Busselton has become one of WA’s premier regional events delivering more visitors and the highest economic impact than any other regional event in the State’s history. It is recognised as a ‘destination event’ and promotes Australia’s South West nationally and internationally. The event receives financial and promotional support from Eventscorp.

Tourism Western Australia’s purpose is to develop, promote and protect Western Australia's iconic tourism experiences. Eventscorp’s role with Ironman Western Australia Triathlon includes:

• financial support $575,000 per year;
• assistance with marketing and promotion of the event and destination to attract visitors;
• development of a key contract with clearly defined conditions and milestones to ensure benefits are delivered for WA;
• facilitation of local government introductions, meetings, and agreements; and
• undertaking of comprehensive independent economic, media and social research.

One of Tourism WA’s six strategic objectives is to secure the future of regional tourism. The event would not be possible without State Government support. Eventscorp has chosen to support the triathlon as the event:

• generates a significant economic boost;
• cost effectively markets the region via the media;
• adds a sense of community pride; and
• gives confidence to other potential corporate sponsors.

Eventscorp’s support of Ironman WA Triathlon has helped boost the long term future of regional tourism for Australia’s South West.

Tourism Western Australia
‘Australia’ the movie campaign

In November 2008, Fox Studios released the Baz Luhrmann movie Australia. Much of the film was shot in the State’s North West and the spectacular scenery was seen by over 23 million.

Tourism WA identified the ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity presented by this multi-million dollar global film and developed a world-wide marketing campaign to promote the Kimberley region as the ‘The Real Star’ of Australia.

Campaign activity occurred within WA, Victoria, NSW, the UK, Germany, and Singapore, all focused on driving awareness of the Kimberley region to increase tourism expenditure in the region.

The campaigns included including outdoor events and red carpet premieres, digital, cinema, television, PR, lift-outs and print activity as well as the development of branded product for trade use and the purchase of set materials for future tourism use. PR activities reached more than 164 million people and achieved more than $9 million in estimated advertising value.

Campaign research indicates that the campaign increased consideration to visit the Kimberley, effectively creating future growth for the region.

Legal Aid, Western Australia, Community Legal Centres Association (WA) Inc, Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia, Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Legal Services, The Law Society of Western Australia, The Legal Practice Board of Western Australia
Country Lawyers Program

The objective of the ‘Country Lawyers Program’ is to provide regional Western Australia with increased access to justice services. Previously regional WA had limited access to local services, lengthy delays and at times long distance travel. This left children and families experiencing violence at risk.

The six organisations (above) collaborated to develop a Regional Rotations Package that would effectively attract and retain lawyers in regional areas. The package features a strong career path, diversity, attractive working conditions and excellent professional development and support.

The first intake began in February 2008 and currently there are 23 lawyers in the program. With the first phase of the program complete there has been a significant reduction in the regional vacancy rate from March 2008 to February 2009. This increase in workforce now provides ordinary regional families access to justice services locally and without delay.

Looking forward the direction of Country Lawyers Program includes expansion into the private legal sector, interstate placements and a possible national roll-out of the WA model.