Funding lifeline for cancelled regional shows

SEVEN shows and field days cancelled because of COVID-19 are about to get a slice of $34 million Australian Government funding to ensure they can bounce back in 2021.

Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the first payments under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will roll out before Christmas.

“These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city,” Mr Wilson said.

“They also help farmers stay competitive by providing an opportunity to share innovation and new ways of doing business.

“This funding supports hundreds of our regional and remote country shows and field days held throughout Australia, as well as the big Royal Shows.

“The Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021 and beyond.

“They are uniquely Australian and provide huge economic spin-offs for the local communities hosting them as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.

“Getting this money out the door is going to be a fantastic Christmas present for many of our event organisers.

“Even if it’s to help cover costs such as rates, insurance and telecommunications, this support will go a long way towards ensuring next year we can bounce back bigger and better.”

Recipients include:

Collie Agricultural Society (Collie Show)	$14,268.35
The Albany Agricultural Society Incorporated  (Albany Show)	$57,154.85
Upper Blackwood Agricultural Society Incorporated (Upper Blackwood Show)	$3,208.94
The Corrigin Agricultural Society (Inc) (Corrigin Show)	$2,679.73
Bridgetown Agricultural Society (Bridgetown Show)	$10,000.00
Esperance & Districts Agricultural Society (Esperance Show)	$11,545.55
Newdegate Machinery Field Days Inc. (Newdegate Machinery Field Days)	$14,853.77