CASH INJECTION FOR RIVERINA AND CENTRAL WEST SHOWS
Planning for a number of Riverina and Central West shows this year has received a boost after they received a share of a further $710,000 delivered through a Federal Government program designed to help shows and field days recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, said extra funding was being provided through the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program to:
• Cootamundra APH & I Association Inc ($1,392.51, taking total funding to $6,859.40);
• Illabo Show Society ($1,362.70, taking total funding to $10,000);
• Morongla Show Society ($650, taking total funding to $3,368.87);
• Temora Show Society Inc ($5,523, taking total funding to $10,000);
• Trundle Pastoral & Agricultural Society Incorporated ($4,086.99, taking total funding to $9,230.66);
• West Wyalong Show Society ($2,692.85, taking total funding to $15,000).
Mr McCormack said the extra funding for Riverina and Central West shows amounted to $15,708, taking total funding so far to $54,459.
“It’s a credit to the hard-working volunteers who run shows and field days that they are coming back after nearly all were cancelled last year because of COVID-19, but they do need a helping hand because their incomes have been hit badly,” Mr McCormack said.
“Shows and field days are part of the fabric of life in our regions.
“There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide and they contribute $1 billion to the economy, attract six million visors and are serviced by 50,000 volunteers.”
Mr McCormack said almost $34 million had already gone out to 378 Australian shows and field days through the program, which reimburses eligible costs.