The South West is the most popular regional tourist destination in Western Australia. 
Your community
We're often told to think outside the box.
And while that expression has ironically become a cliché, the meaning behind those familiar words is still as relevant as ever.
If we kept on doing things the same way, nothing would ever change and we'd never have anything new or improved.
That's why creativity is so important. Creativity is behind ideas, innovation and invention.
It's what helps us to solve problems and imagine different ways of doing things.
In the South West, creativity plays an important role in shaping our region. Without creativity, we wouldn't be in the process of transforming an old coal mine at Collie into a recreational lake.
Somebody first had to imagine that a disused coal mine could be filled with water and turned into a lake, and then be innovative enough to start making it happen.
Emergence Creative Festival
Given the significant role creativity plays in our region, we are pleased to play a role in bringing a creative festival to life.
Called Emergence, the festival is the brainchild of the Commission's TradeStart advisor Mat Lewis and is scheduled to take place in Margaret River between November 28 and 30.
The event will shine the spotlight on the region's creative sectors, while providing a platform for generating ideas and showcasing new technology.
Whether you are a creative professional or simply interested in
thinking creatively, Emergence is an event you will want
to put in your diaries. For more information contact Mat
Lewis.
______________________
G'Day USA
Australia is currently being promoted in the United States at G'Day USA, a three-week event designed to strengthen business and cultural ties between the two countries.
The South West's tie-ins include Leeuwin Estate chardonnay being served at a G'Day USA function, Vue Group managing director Alan Lindsay being selected as a panel member for the Digital Down Under event in Los Angeles, and the promotion of tourism campaigns linking the film Drift and the South West region.
The South West has a lot to offer the world, and it's fantastic
that its world-class products and services are able to be promoted
at high profile events such as G'Day USA.
______________________
The South West Development Commission is now on Facebook.
On our Facebook page you'll find the latest news about the Commission, along with information about funding opportunities, events and projects taking place in the region.
Don Punch
South West Development Commission CEO
January 2012