GRANT BOOST FOR RIVERINA AND CENTRAL WEST SHOWS
Some 23 Riverina and Central West shows have received an early Christmas present with the Federal Government delivering funding which will help them cover costs as they plan for 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, says.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled many country shows this year, the organisations which run the popular events still faced ongoing costs which placed strain on their finances.
However, grants delivered under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program will take a weight off their shoulders, Mr McCormack said.
In total, the program is distributing $357,990 to 23 show organisations in the Riverina and Central West.
“The money can be used to claim reimbursements on costs which must be paid even when shows have had to be cancelled, including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT systems licensing costs, website costs, rent and state and national show body affiliation fees,” Mr McCormack said.
“This funding follows $753,391 which was delivered to eight show organisations in the Riverina electorate in May through the Federal Government’s $20 million Agricultural Show Development Grants Program for showground improvements.
“So this latest funding means some $1.11 million has been given to Riverina and Central West show organisations this year.
“The Government said it would back show and field day organisations and we are delivering on that promise.
“We want the shows and field days to come back better than ever and this support will go a long way towards getting them back on their feet for 2021 and beyond.”
The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program will deliver almost $34 million to 378 shows and field days throughout Australia to help ease cash flow pressures.
The program is being provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund for regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is part of a broader $60 million agricultural support package, which includes the $20 million Regional Agricultural Shows Development Program.
There are about 580 agricultural shows across Australia and they contribute some $965 million to the economy each year.
Nearly six million Australians visit an agricultural show each year.
Riverina electorate Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program grants
Organisation: Ardlethan Show Society Inc | Amount: $6,762.58
Organisation: Ariah Park Show Society Inc | Amount: $2,923.80
Organisation: Bribbaree Show Society Inc | Amount: $10,000
Organisation: Cootamundra APH & I Association Inc | Amount: $5,466.89
Organisation: Cowra Show Society Inc | Amount: $15,000
Organisation: Forbes Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Association Inc | Amount: $70,000
Organisation: Ganmain Show Society Inc | Amount: $9,827.83
Organisation: Grenfell PAH and I Association Inc | Amount: $15,000
Organisation: Illabo Show Society Inc | Amount: $8,637.30
Organisation: Junee Show Society Inc | Amount: $9,296.31
Organisation: Agricultural Pastoral & Show Society of Lockhart Inc | Amount: $1,655.67
Organisation: Morongla Show Society Inc | Amount: $2,718.87
Organisation: Murrumburrah-Harden Show Society Incorporated | Amount: $10,000
Organisation: Parkes PA & H Association Inc | Amount: $70,000
Organisation: Temora Show Society Inc | Amount: $4,477
Organisation: The Rock Show Society Inc | Amount: $4,916.16
Organisation: Trundle Pastoral & Agricultural and Horticultural Association Inc | Amount: $5,143.67
Organisation: Tullamore Pastoral, Agricultural Association Incorporated | Amount: $10,000
Organisation: Ungarie Show Society Inc | Amount: $2,093.29
Organisation: Wagga Wagga Show Society Inc | Amount: $70,000
Organisation: Weethallee Show Society Inc | Amount: $7,928.58
Organisation: West Wyalong Show Society Incorporated | Amount: $12,307.15
Organisation: Woodstock Memorial Show Incorporated | Amount: $3,835.67