MasterChef winner to headline Broome's cultural celebrations

MasterChef winner Adam Liaw will tempt crowds with his recipes at this month's Shinju Matsuri in Broome.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the celebrity chef was a drawcard for the popular cultural, arts and community event, which means 'Festival of the Pearl' in Japanese.

The State Government has provided funding for the Shinju Matsuri through Eventscorp's Regional Events Program, funded by the Government's Royalties for Regions program.

"Broome is renowned for its pearling industry and people from countries such as Japan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia played an important role in developing the industry," Dr Hames said.

"For more than 40 years, Shinju Matsuri has celebrated Broome's pearling history and multicultural roots.

"Adam Liaw, who won the second series of MasterChef, will be contributing to the food component of the festival, including the inaugural Long Table 'Broome Fusion' Lunch."

Dr Hames said the additional funding would also be used to significantly increase the marketing and promotion of the festival in Western Australia and nationally, and boost feature events such as the Shinju Matsuri Ball and the Pearl Meat Cook-Off.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the funding for the program was part of a significant $40million investment in a four-year commitment to regional events.

"When Broome hosts the Shinju Matsuri festival, the community will come alive and it is events like these that make a town an exciting and vibrant place to visit, as well as a great place to live," Mr Grylls said.

"Royalties for Regions funding ensures regional events such as the Shinju Matsuri continue to engage and excite both visitors and communities in regional WA."

Shinju Matsuri will be held from September 10-18, 2011.  For more information visit http://www.shinjumatsuri.com.au

Tourism Minister's office - 9222 8788