Farrer MP Sussan Ley has announced one-off ‘recovery’ payments to local agricultural show and field day organisers helping to cover eligible expenses for cancelled events during 2020.
According to Ms Ley nearly every show or field days was ‘scratched’ in my electorate this year; not only a blow for each town and local community but also to that district’s economy.
“It’s estimated agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to Australia’s economy each year, but they rely largely on financial assistance from sponsors and attendees.”
“The Agricultural Shows and Field Days program allows my local show groups to recoup some of their yearly costs such as rates, rent or insurance through to affiliation fees, or even just keeping the power on.”
“The funding in excess of $220k for Farrer was replicated Australia-wide and part of $34 million in support for committees and organising bodies to deal with cash flow pressures and forced cancellations.”
“Many business exhibitors and community groups rely on ‘their show’ to generate sales or raise funds, so I truly hope this money ensures everyone can be back on deck in 2021,” Ms Ley said.
Farrer funding recipients – grant amounts based on eligible expenses and attendance/size of the event*
The Coro Club Ltd (Riverina Field Days) – $15,000.00
Holbrook Show Society Inc – $5,609.07
Barham-Koondrook & District PA & H Show Society Inc – $4,662.64
Walbundrie Show Society Inc – $11,751.56
Leeton Show Society Inc – $15,000.00
Wentworth Show Society Inc – $20,532.00
Corowa Pastoral Agricultural & Horticultural Society Inc – $3,451.95
Hillston Show Society Incorporated – $4,479.18
Berrigan Agricultural & Horticultural Society Inc – $10,000.00
Griffith Show Society Inc – $15,000.00
Finley Show Society Inc – $3,861.98
Hay Show Society Inc – $9,649.20
Culcairn A.P.H.& I. Society Incorporated – $8,181.80
Albury Show Society Inc – $15,000.00
Henty Machinery Field Days Co-operative Ltd – $70,000.00
Barellan Show Society Incorporated – $3,518.85
Ardlethan Show Society Inc – $6,762.58
More details and a full list of grant recipients is available here.