The South West is the most popular regional tourist destination in Western Australia. 
Your community
Cruise ship docks in Bunbury
Local residents should keep an eye out for a Celebrity in Bunbury this week - the Celebrity Century, that is!
The cruise ship will be docked in Bunbury this Thursday, and you can expect to see its passengers out and about exploring the city and surrounds - please make them feel welcome.
Cruise ship visits not only provide the city with a mini
economic boost, but there's also the possibility that if passengers
like what they see during their visit they will return to explore
the area in more depth.
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SWDC supports National Youth Week
National Youth Week is the largest celebration of young people in Australia, and we're proud to support the WA launch in Bunbury through a $4500 grant.
Not only is it an honour for the South West to be selected to host such a high-profile launch, but the event itself - the Grass Roots Festival - promises to be a fantastic day out for young people living in the region.
The festival will take place at Bunbury's Bicentennial Square from 4pm to 10pm on Saturday April 14 and feature a range of rides and amusements, as well as entertainment from the likes of The Novocaines.
There will also be an urban art project, and BMX, skate and scooter demonstrations and workshops for people to look forward to.
For more information about National Youth Week celebrations in Western Australia, visit www.communities.wa.gov.au/youth .
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Shaping Withers future
Over the coming months, we will be working with the City of Bunbury to look at the long-term planning needs of Withers.
We will be aiming to create a vision for the suburb which will be used to guide future development and investment.
This is an exciting opportunity to work together on shaping the future of Withers, and we are pleased to provide up to $80,000 towards the study.
Withers has a lot going for it, including its proximity to the beach and array of community facilities, and this project will help it reach its potential by laying the foundations for change.
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Clinic on wheels
We were proud to team up with Royalties for Regions to provide funding towards the South West Aboriginal Medical Service's new clinic on wheels.
Officially launched in Bunbury earlier this month by Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls, the clinic on wheels will begin servicing Brunswick Junction and Collie from March.
It's a great initiative that promises to enhance access to medical services in our regional areas, and we look forward to seeing the clinic on wheels on the road.
Don Punch
South West Development Commission CEO
February 2012