Anzac Project in WA to Receive $1.3m

The Federal Government will make its first major financial commitment to the Centenary of Anzac Project in Albany, Western Australia, today, with $1.3 million allocated for the first stage of work on an Anzac Interpretive Centre.

Albany was the last piece of Australia diggers saw as they sailed for Egypt to train before landing at Gallipoli and France.

Large convoys of ships used to assemble in King George Sound for mutual protection against German raiders such as the Emden.

The latest grant follows $250,000 for a scoping study earlier this year. Veterans Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon said the Albany centre had been a key recommendation of the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary. Work on the project had to begin almost immediately if it was to be ready for the centenary in just over two years time.

The Anzac Centenary Project, headed by Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, is shaping up as Australia's largest commemorative program since the Centenary of Federation.

Anzac Project in WA to Receive $1.3m

Perth Tourism News: World's Best Kite Surfers Heading for Perth

Two of the fastest kite surfers in the world will be in Perth this December to compete in the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton Kite Surfing Race.

Current and former world speed sailing record holders Rob Douglas from the United States and Alex Caizergues from France have entered this year's race. In addition, 100 kite surfers, including 50 international and national competitors, will also be participating.

The State Government, through Eventscorp, is proud to sponsor the event for the next three years and has also commissioned the production of a half-hour national and international television program

Perth Tourism News: World's Best Kite Surfers Heading for Perth

Australian Open Tennis: Tennis stars coming to Perth for Hopman Cup

West Australian tennis fans are in for a star studded treat at this summer’s Hyundai Hopman Cup XXIV with one of the best fields ever assembled in the tournament’s 24-year history.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said it was great to see Caroline Wozniacki, who’s held the number one ranking for the past year, coming to Perth for the first time.

“Caroline Wozniacki has won 18 WTA events and will be a major drawcard - she’ll become the 24th world number one player to play in the event since it started in 1988,” Dr Hames said.

“To have three of the top seven ranked women players in the world and two of the top 10 men coming to Perth this summer is fantastic.

“There are three Grand Slam event winners in Petra Kvitova, Li Na and Lleyton Hewitt in the field as well as some of the rising stars of tennis, which will guarantee some thrilling and entertaining games.”

The Minister said the State Government, through Eventscorp, is a founding sponsor of the Hopman Cup, and last year put in place a new four-year sponsorship agreement that carries through to 2014.

“The last Hyundai Hopman Cup broke attendance and television coverage records, and with the star studded field assembled for Hopman Cup XXIV those records will again be under threat,” Dr Hames said.

“This Hopman Cup will signal the end of an era with the tournament moving to Perth Arena next year and I want to publicly thank Burswood for being such wonderful hosts since 1988.”

Australian Open Tennis: Tennis stars coming to Perth for Hopman Cup

Royals Visit Australia: Perth to serve 120,000 Snags at Queen's 'Largest-Ever' Barbecue

About 120,000 sausages and 1500 litres of tomato sauce will be served at the Queen's Big Aussie Barbecue in Perth later this month.

Tens of thousands of West Australians are expected to crowd Perth Foreshore to share a snag with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on October 29, in what Premier Colin Barnett said would be an internationally historic event.

The royal couple will travel in a slow motorcade before stepping out to "mingle" with families, albeit behind a roped off path.

At least $250,000 is expected to be raised from gold coin donations for the sausage sizzle.

The money will be donated to the Australian Red Cross, Legacy, Clontarf Academy and Activ Foundation.

The Queen will be in Perth to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which runs October 28 to 30.

Royals Visit Australia: Perth to serve 120,000 Snags at Queen's 'Largest-Ever' Barbecue

Perth Tourism News: Perth Airport Opens New Waiting Area

A new waiting area has opened at Perth Domestic Airport in response to escalating complaints about thousands of illegally parked cars causing havoc.

Drivers will now be able to wait with their cars for up to 90 minutes for the cost of a gold coin donation, which will be donated to a children's charity.

Perth Airport chief executive officer Brad Geatches said it was hoped the new park-and-wait area would stop the 63,000 drivers who illegally park along Brearley Avenue each year.

The number of people flying into and out of Perth Domestic Airport is growing at the highest rate of any Australian capital city - by almost 10 per cent last financial year.

The number of vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers is now about 900,000 each year, according to the airport.

Perth Tourism News: Perth Airport Opens New Waiting Area

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Australia to Renew Focus on Indian and Chinese Middle Class Tourists

Australia is set to renew its focus on wooing the cash rich middle class population of India and China at the Australian Tourism Directions conference in Canberra. According to a PTI report, the conference, to be held from tomorrow, will also analyse the progress of plans to double overnight visitor spending to USD 140 billion by 2020.

“Now more than ever we need to remain focused on the big picture improvements that can enhance the long-term competitiveness of the sector,” said Martin Ferguson, Federal Tourism Minister, Government of Australia. He added that the conference will renew the industry's focus on Asia and the rise of China as Australia's most valuable tourism market.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Australia to Renew Focus on Indian and Chinese Middle Class Tourists

Perth Tourism News: Princely Treasures Dazzling and Delighting Perth Audiences

The Princely Treasures European Masterpieces 1600 - 1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum has opened at the Art Gallery of WA. This stunning collection from one of the world's greatest museums runs until January 9, 2012.

Perth Tourism News: Princely Treasures Dazzling and Delighting Perth Audiences