Shire of Gingin joins Western Australian councils as ‘film friendly’
Sand Dunes, Lancelin.
The Shire of Gingin is the latest council to join the Film Friendly Western Australia fold, attaining certification in the Screenwest program.
In the past year, the shire has attracted a range of screen productions, including Outback Truckers, Rookie Truckers and Warner Bros’ scripted series, RUN, about notorious armed robber Brenden Abbott ‘The Postcard Bandit’.
The Shire of Gingin has proven popular with locations scouts, particularly for its iconic Lancelin sand dunes, nostalgic 80s/90s Gingin townsite, historic buildings, country roads and rural landscapes.
It comes as Screenwest prepares to host a new round of its free Film Friendly workshops on 10 and 11 November to help local governments open their doors as destinations for local screen production.
Sand Dunes, Lancelin. Tourism WA.
Gingin Shire President Linda Balcombe said: “The Shire of Gingin is proud to be officially certified as a Film Friendly Shire, recognising our commitment to supporting film, television, and creative productions across the region. This certification highlights our stunning natural landscapes, welcoming communities, and streamlined approval processes that make it easier for film makers to bring their stories to life. From pristine coastlines to scenic rural settings, the Shire of Gingin offers a diverse backdrop for storytelling and continues to embrace opportunities that showcase our unique local character on screen.”
Screenwest Acting Head of Industry Development Gabrielle Cole said: “The Film Friendly Western Australia program has been developed to help councils by sharing skills and insights to position their regions as attractive locations for screen production. As well as the obvious local economic benefits, this initiative is helping to build our locations and position the state as a go-to destination for screen production, especially as we inch closer to the opening of the Perth Film Studios in 2026.”
The Film Friendly Western Australia certification program helps local governments to work effectively with filmmakers, promote their locations and prepare themselves for incoming film and television productions. It also makes it easier for filmmakers to find ‘production-ready’ communities in Western Australia.
The workshops are the first stage in the Film Friendly certification program.
WA has six certified film friendly communities including the City of Albany, City of Busselton, City of Bunbury, Shire of West Arthur and Shire of Shark Bay.
For more information about Film Friendly and upcoming workshops, email filminwa@screenwest.com.au.
