AGRICULTURAL shows have been a hit during the pandemic and these regional institutions, like the Shepparton Agricultural Show, which has been cancelled two years in a row, are largely kept alive by volunteers.
The Federal Government has previously supported ag shows by providing income support of up to $7,000. Last week in Shepparton Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud, and Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum revealed a $15.4M program to support infrastructure growth.
Small agricultural show societies can apply for grants up to $500,000 for repairs, upgrades, building, or buying showground infrastructure or attractions.
Sue Trevaskis, president of the Shepparton Agricultural Society, said that financial help was important so that the Shepp Show could offer many free and low-cost activities for attendees and to maintain the grounds for clubs, organisations and events that use the Showgrounds.
“With this grant we can put the money towards better facilities here and updating our current secretary’s office, which was a previous kindergarten that needs new floor coverings and kitchen.”
“If the society doesn’t have to fundraise to build buildings, then we can put that money back into what we can have at the show that will be free for families to come to and keeping costs down.”
“It’s an acknowledgment of what they’ve done but also what they can achieve in the future,” said Minister Littleproud.
“It’s very hard to save year after year after year to put towards infrastructure,” he said. “The grants provide regional communities with the opportunity to make showground facilities safe, attractive and accessible for showground users and the six million annual visitors.”
