Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (front, right) with Condobolin P A H & I President Jeff Kirk and Secretary Carol-Ann Malouf OAM (front), along with members Noel Donnelly and Tony Mooney (middle), and Len Krebs, Graham McDonald and David McDonald (back) – the Condobolin Show is one of numerous ag shows across the Parkes electorate which have been cancelled this year due to the impacts of coronavirus.
Agricultural show societies and field day organisers in the Parkes electorate that have cancelled their 2020 event due to COVID-19 can now apply for cash under the Australian Government’s $39 million Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding round would provide a one-off payment of up to $70,000 to help ensure the sustainability of local shows and field days.
“With applications now open, I am urging all committees of eligible ag shows and field days to throw their hat in the ring for funding,” Mr Coulton said.
“In regional Australia we are dealing exceptionally well with the outbreak of COVID-19. This funding program will help to ensure ag is a leading force as we progress through the pandemic.
“Ag shows and field days have a major positive impact on morale and local economies in the bush. As a former ag show president myself, I know just how much hard work and effort goes into ensuring they go off without a hitch.
“This payment is designed to support those shows and events which have unfortunately had to call off this year’s proceedings due to the impact of coronavirus.”
Mr Coulton said applications must be received by the closing date of 9 October 2020.
For more information about the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows
Background
• Funds will be reimbursed for eligible expenses, with the maximum grant value based upon the size of the event:
o up to $10,000 for small shows/field days (attendance was less than 2,000)
o up to $15,000 for medium shows/field days (attendance was between 2,000 and 4,999)
o up to $70,000 for large shows/field days (attendance was over 5,000).
• Applicants will not have to compete for assistance.
• Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program funding is being provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, which is helping regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by COVID-19.