Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Warren P & A Association members including President Ashley Bell (front, right) and Secretary Sophie O’Brien (front, left). The Federal Government is spending $36 million to help agricultural show societies recover from the effects of COVID-19, ensuring they can continue after the pandemic.
The Australian Government is spending $36 million to help agricultural show societies recover from the effects of COVID-19, ensuring they can continue after the pandemic.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is thrilled that eligible local shows in his electorate could receive a reimbursement of up to $70,000 under the Supporting Agricultural Shows program to deal with cash flow pressures.
“This is fantastic news for the many hardworking show society volunteers we have in the Parkes electorate, who because of COVID-19, were unable to stage a show for their communities this year,” Mr Coulton said.
“Not only are these show societies dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have also been contending with the devastating drought, making it especially difficult for them.
“The Government is reimbursing shows for costs incurred in 2020 and funds will be paid in 2021. I urge show societies to check their eligibility and apply when the grants open.”
Mr Coulton said the funding acknowledges the role country shows play in connecting agriculture and regional Australia to our metropolitan counterparts, and helping locals to stay in touch with their community.
“Ag shows form part of the social fabric of country communities. For many who attend, it’s one of very few occasions they can catch up with their peers, making shows important for the mental health of attendees,” he said.
“Funding is also being provided to support the cancelled agricultural shows in our capital cities meet sunk costs – this is great news for exhibitors in my electorate who showcase their produce and livestock to a wider audience at Royal Shows.”
The Supporting Agricultural Shows program will also provide $100,000 to Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) for its National Rural Ambassador competition in 2020 and 2021.
This funding complements the Australian Government’s existing $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program and will be provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis.
For more information on the Fund, visit https://www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/covid-19-relief-and-recovery-fund.aspx
Further details can be obtained by emailing agshowgrants@agriculture.gov.au or calling 02 6272 5603. Information will also be available from the Community Grants Hub when applications open.