Agricultural shows and field days all over Barker were cancelled due to COVID-19 are about to get a slice of $34 million Australian Government funding to help ensure they can bounce back next year.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the first payments under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will roll out before Christmas.
“Two months ago, the Government launched this package to reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of COVID-19,” Mr Pasin said.
“Today I am pleased to announce that 18 shows and field days in Barker have been approved for funding to help ease cash-flow pressures.
“The Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021. These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city.” Mr Pasin said.
Shows and field days were uniquely Australian and provide huge economic spin-offs for local communities as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.
“They also help to maintain our farmers’ competitive edge by providing an outlet for new ideas, new technologies and new ways of working to be shared.
“I am very pleased events in my electorate of Barker are able to access this funding to help get them through this tough period and out the other side in a sound position to help them with their planning for 2021,” Mr Pasin said.
“Next year is looking so much brighter and I know this support will be fantastic boost for our volunteers, families and school kids.”
Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia Dr Rob Wilson said show societies forced to cancel in 2020 were positive about hosting again next year.
“This Australian Government support has helped provide certainty and a renewed sense of optimism ahead of 2021 after a difficult year for everyone, especially our 50,000 volunteers,” Dr Wilson said.
“With some states already giving the go-ahead to shows next year, subject to COVID conditions being met, this funding will ensure hundreds of societies can start planning now.”
Secretary of the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia Wendy Franklin welcomed the fast turnaround of applicants’ approvals.
“Getting this money out the door is going to be a fantastic Christmas present for many of our event organisers,” Mrs Franklin said.
“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.”
Successful applicants within Barker:
| Recipient | Federal Grant Funding |
| The Kapunda and Light Agricultural Society Incorporated (Kapunda Show) |
$5,626.39 |
| The Coonalpyn and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated (Coonalpyn Show) |
$6,418.68 |
| Murray Bridge Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated (Murray Bridge Show) |
$15,000.00 |
| Mil Lel Agricultural & Horticultural Show Society Incorporated (Mil Lel Show) |
$5,846.64 |
| The Mount Pleasant Agricultural Horticultural and Floracultural Society Inc (Mount Pleasant Show) |
$19,689.30 |
| Keith and Tintinara District Show Society Incorporated (Keith Show) |
$10,000.00 |
| Lions Club of Lucindale Incorporated (South East Field Days Lucindale) |
$70,000.00 |
| Karoonda Farm Fair Incorporated (Karoonda Farm Fair) |
$57,381.76 |
| Riverland Field Days Incorporated (The Riverland Field Days) |
$70,000.00 |
| Millicent Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral Society Incorporated (Millicent Show) |
$15,000.00 |
| Penola Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated (Penola Show) |
$7,868.06 |
| The Naracoorte Pastoral and Agricultural Society Incorporated (Naracoorte Show) |
$15,000.00 |
| Pinnaroo Agricultural Society Incorporated (Pinnaroo Show) |
$10,000.00 |
| Loxton Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated (Loxton Show) |
$6,866.66 |
| Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated (Mount Gambier Show) |
$70,000.00 |
| Kingston-S.E. Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society Incorporated (Kingston Show) |
$8,917.85 |
| Bordertown Spring Festival and Show Incorporated (Bordertown Show) |
$5,810.05 |
| The Callington Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated (Callington Show) |
$4,026.80 |
Fast Facts
- Agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to the economy each year but rely largely on financial assistance from supporters and attendees.
- There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide, which attract six million visitors and are serviced by 50,000 volunteers.
- The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program funding is being provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund for regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
- Successful applicants are eligible to claim reimbursements on costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.
- The program is part of a broader $60 million agricultural support package that includes the $20 million Regional Agricultural Shows Development program.
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Media Contact: Vanessa Juergens 0885 312466
