Council’s decision to support the popular annual event was made at its ordinary meeting on Tuesday 23 May 2023. The RBC is delivered by the Rotary Club of Palm Beach WA and 2023 will mark the fifth occasion that Australia’s most unique racing experience has taken place.
The event is highlighted by a community festival and a series of horse races that take place on the sand at the Rockingham Foreshore.
Last year the RBC attracted approximately 22,000 people to the Rockingham Foreshore across the two days, with more than 9,000 visitors coming from outside of Rockingham.
It injected more than $1.5 million into the local economy, and for every dollar of grant funding provided by the City it generated $5.51 in visitor expenditure.
Given the tangible economic and tourism benefits provided by this unique event, Mayor Deb Hamblin said Council was keen to support the RBC once again.
“Since 2016 the City of Rockingham has supported the Rotary Club of Palm Beach WA to deliver this iconic event,” Mayor Hamblin said.
“Over the years RBC has consistently demonstrated that it is the type of event which can drive economic growth and enhance tourism in our City.
Given the strong alignment with our Economic Development Strategy and Tourist Destination Strategy, Council was pleased to provide this important financial support once again.
“The City hopes to see many locals and visitors from far and wide descend on the Rockingham Foreshore and Rediscover Rockingham this November when the RBC returns.”
RBC Committee Chair Donna McDonald said the Rotary Club of Palm Beach was excited to present the event with support from the City.
“The Rotary Club of Palm Beach is delighted to again bring the race track to the seaside.
This year’s Channel 7 Rockingham Beach Cup is only possible with the long term support of the City of Rockingham Iconic Grant Funding.
"The two-day event brings locals and visitors together to connect as a vibrant and active community and to Rediscover Rockingham.
“We are very excited crowds will again have the opportunity to experience the magic of horses thundering down our beautiful foreshore with the choice of viewing from one of two unique licenced areas or from our huge free family-friendly festival on Churchill and Bell Parks.”