North Melbourne is back in Western Australia for two home games in successive weekends, starting with a clash against Fremantle at Bunbury’s Hands Oval later today, before taking on West Coast at Optus Stadium next Saturday.
The fixtures sit inside a three-year agreement between the Cook Government and North Melbourne Football Club to host two home games in WA each year. Both matches are expected to draw thousands of interstate and intrastate visitors, with flow-on effects for local tourism operators, hospitality venues, and businesses.
Last year’s fixture at Hands Oval was the first in-season AFL match ever held in regional WA, and it sold out, pulling more than 12,000 footy fans to Bunbury. This year’s return builds on that, and the South West Tasting Experience marquee comes back with it, pouring premium food and wine from producers across the region right at the ground.
“Last year’s Bunbury match proved how successful hosting AFL matches in regional WA can be, with strong visitation delivering real economic benefits for local tourism operators, hospitality venues and businesses across the South West — and the State more broadly,” Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said.
“The return of Western Australia’s South West Tasting Experience is another fantastic addition to the Bunbury fixture, helping showcase the incredible food and wine experiences that make the South West such a sought-after tourism destination while delivering an elevated game day experience for fans.”
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti added, “Last year’s historic clash at Hands Oval brought thousands of visitors to the region and I can’t wait to see Bunbury painted purple this weekend.”
“These major sporting events bring our community together and encourage more people to get involved in grassroots sport by inspiring the next generation of players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.”
