Potential of Collie hospitality, attractions and tourism to be realised with funding

The Western Australian Government’s Collie Futures Small Grants Program is delivering funding of $380,314 to be shared among five Collie businesses and not-for-profits including the Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre.  

Regional Development Minister Don Punch announced $95,000 towards planning for the transformation of the museum into a contemporary tourist attraction.

The funding will support the internal concept design, ready-to-build plans and business case development in support of the redevelopment of the museum.

Significant investment in new attractions and experiences, such as the Wellington Dam mural, has seen increased visitation to Collie, with the benefits flowing to local businesses.

In a further commitment to setting up Collie for a strong tourism future, the WA Government has also allocated $100,000 to upgrade the commercial kitchen at the Victoria Hotel.

This work complements the separate upgrade of accommodation underway at the venue, which is catering to rising demand for accommodation in town.

A $66,796 grant for Coaltown Coffee will support a new hospitality business to fit out a coffee van trailer and install a commercial coffee machine.

The mobile business will operate at local venues, sporting grounds, annual festivals, and tourist destinations like Lake Kepwari, Stockton Lake, Minningup Pool and Black Diamond Lake, servicing the growing tourism sector in the region.

The Collie Gallery Group will receive $28,100 towards hosting the Collie Art Prize 2025 at the Collie Art Gallery. The event puts Collie on the arts map, promotes local artists, and provides an economic boost by attracting visitors.

Finally, a $90,750 grant will also support a metal fabrication business to take its operations to the next level, expanding its manufacturing operations for custom-built canopies, trays and toolboxes for utility vehicles.

The Beer Industries Group will use the grant to purchase a computerised numerical-controlled bender, that will allow it to expand capability and services for local tradespeople and create new employment opportunities.

The Collie Futures Small Grants Program forms part of the wider Collie Futures Fund. Through the program, grants of up to $100,000 are available to support businesses and not-for-profit organisations that will diversify the local economy and create jobs for the community.

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns noted "Stories of Collie's past are told through artwork on murals, statues in town, and in the modernised Collie replica mine.

"I am pleased the latest funding allocation will support planning for the redevelopment of the Coalfields Museum.

"There is pride in Collie's heritage, and the Cook Government continues to ensure Collie's past remains not only a tangible part of its future but plays a role in attracting visitors - creating flow-on effects to locals."

The Fund is designed to assist Collie to build a more diverse economy by stimulating local employment across a greater range of industries. For more information or to apply for funding, visit www.swdc.wa.gov.au or www.swdc.wa.gov.au/grants-funding/collie-futures-fund/

Image. Coalfields Museum