Open letter from our Chair Tim Kennedy

Welcome news for Events in WA

The Event Industry Association welcomes today’s announcement by the Premier.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to the event industry here in Western Australia and whilst the imminent arrival of Phase 5 is welcome news, it is far from a solution.

That is why today’s announcement is so significant for the event industry.

First, it was incredibly gratifying to hear the Premier talk about the event industry. For large parts of this pandemic, the event industry has been forgotten about, too often mixed in with other industries. The event industries needs are unique and to hear the Government and the Premier recognise that today is a major step forward for all event businesses and is reward for the effort that the EIA has been putting in behind the scenes to draw attention to the plight of the industry.

Second, the continuance and extension of the Getting the Show Back on the Road program will assist event organisers get events going and will help restore some confidence heading into the Spring/Summer season. The expansion to include tourism events and agricultural shows will also see a significant trickle down effect to many event businesses.

Third, the recognition of the need to the Royal Show demonstrates that the Government is starting to understand the industries plight. Whilst only 1 event, we trust that a successful Royal Show will help restore confidence and again, support many local businesses. To that end, we call on RAS to rally behind local suppliers as much as possible to ensure that Western Australian dollars support local businesses.

Whilst this is a great start, there is more to do. Given the unique challenges the event industry faces, there will be an ongoing need for support throughout the remainder of the pandemic. This includes the continued expansion of the Getting the Show Back on the Road program, more clarity around support for event businesses in the event of a lockdown and measures to give organisers some security when booking interstate and international acts.

Today is a giant leap for the event industry and we are grateful for the Government’s support, but this needs to be the first of many measures aimed at helping the Western Australian event industry navigate the remainder of this pandemic.

Tim Kennedy Chair Person Events Industry Association

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Events Industry Association is your industry voice. If you want to help ensure the future of the Events Industry or to see the latest new and activities EIA are working on for, and on behalf of, our members and the wider industry please pop over to our website at www.eia.com.au #eventswa #waevents #perthevents #eventsindustry