WA govt sends Lotterywest funds to boost local screen production.
L-R: Screenwest board member Michael Scott, Screenwest CEO Rikki-Lea Bestall, Minister for Creative Industries Hon Simone McGurk MLA, Lotterywest board member Guy Singleton, Lotterywest acting CEO Lorna Pritchard.
The Government of Western Australia has provided Screenwest with a record $10.8 million grant for the 2025-2026 period through Lotterywest.
The grant will allow Screenwest to double its support of WA screen talent, businesses and locally generated story production.
“Thank you to the Government of Western Australia and Lotterywest for their continued support of Screenwest. This $10.8 million grant will allow us to continue investing in local film talent and businesses and ensure Western Australia’s unique stories are told on screens worldwide,” said Rikki Lea Bestall, CEO of Screenwest.
Prime Minister Roger Cook said: “My government is committed to diversifying the economy by sharing local stories and making more things here.
“This significant grant will continue to encourage locally made film projects, develop homegrown talent and enable Western Australian creatives to share original stories on a global stage.
“Thanks to continued investment and support, WA has a thriving film industry with talented actors, crew and technical staff who continue to deliver world-class productions.
“For thirty years, Lotterywest has played an important role in sharing Western Australian stories, our heritage and culture, delivering fantastic economic benefits to the WA community.”
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said: “The Cook Government is promoting a vibrant and creative economy by investing in WA’s film sector to create local stories using local talent.
“We are committed to creating more employment opportunities for our local artists and creatives in the film industry and with the opening of the Perth Film Studios next year, WA is ready to be used as a backdrop and showcased to the world.”
Since 1995, Screenwest has benefited from 41 Lotterywest grants totaling more than $171 million.
Lotterywest is the only state-owned and operated lottery in the country where all available winnings are returned to the community.
Photo: Tori Lill.
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