Junee and Illabo shows are set to return stronger than ever, with Illabo Show able to finally celebrate its centenary this year thanks to NSW Government Country Shows Support Package.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the ongoing support from the Country Shows Support Package, which has already delivered funds to many of the small country shows held across the Cootamundra electorate, has now seen both Junee and Illabo shows successful in their applications to receive $15,000 each to support the delivery of their 2022 shows.
“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”
“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer,”
“From best grown flowers, to wood chopping, petting zoos and rides for children of all sizes, there is something for everyone at our country and agricultural shows and it is something the whole family can enjoy together.”
Gerard Ryan, Treasurer of the Illabo Show Society said that this support from the government means that this year’s centenary show can be made that extra bit special.
“After Covid-19 and delays and disruptions, to be finally able to come together to celebrate 100 years of the Illabo show is incredible. Amongst our usual attractions such as the Prime Lamb Sections, Young Auctioneers, Yard Dog Trials and pavilion displays, we are hoping to have live entertainment and even a fireworks display on offer this year as part of our schedule.”
The $5 million Country Shows Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, which will deliver long term support and certainty for the regions as the state reopens.
Temora and Ariah Park shows are hoping to come back stronger than ever, thanks to NSW Government Country Shows Support Package.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Country Shows Support Package, has seen another two local country shows successful in their applications. Ariah Park show is set to receive $5,863 while Temora Show Society is set to receive $15,000 to support the delivery of their 2022 show.
“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”
“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer,”
“From the demolition derby and tractor pull, to the quick-sheep-shear and working dog display, there is something for everyone to enjoy and experience at our country and agricultural shows.”
Frances Dwyer, Secretary of the Ariah Park Show Society said that the society was very appreciative and grateful for the funds after a difficult couple of years.
“This money will go a long way towards supporting this great country show of ours and in turn will support our local economy. We are looking forward to being able to come back in 2022 stronger than ever.”
The $5 million Country Shows Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, which will deliver long term support and certainty for the regions as the state reopens.
Country show organisers across the Cootamundra electorate will be able to make plans with certainty, thanks to a NSW Government program providing financial support to ensure these much-loved community events come back bigger and better than ever.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke urged local organisers to apply for funding available as part of the $5 million Country Shows Support Package for events being staged in 2022.
Ms Cooke said funding can be used for a range of reasons, including ensuring shows are COVID Safe, subsidising stall fees, equipment hire, upgrading show facilities or engaging locally-based artists or musicians.
“This is an exciting announcement for country shows. The towns and communities in the electorate are huge on shows, with 25 shows over a 12 month period, “Ms Cooke said.
“We have a strong agriculture tradition in our area and these shows have been hit quite hard over the past two years.
“It is really important for us to support these towns and show committees to get these shows back up and runing to ensure the future of our great agricultural shows.”
Funding of up to $15,000 will be available to small shows with an audience of less than 2,000 people across all event days, while medium and large shows can apply for up to $30,000 and $45,000 respectively.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Country Shows Support Package would provide certainty to show organisers and give them the confidence to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods.
“It’s been a tough few years for country shows, with drought, bushfires, storms, floods and COVID-19 disrupting plans, but as they say, the show must go on and these grants will help make that happen,” Mr Toole said.
“Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities – they not only celebrate the best of the best in the community but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.
“It’s also a big win for competitors who have spent years perfecting events like wood-chopping, show jumping or baking, as they can now focus on earning the points needed to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.”
The $5 million Country Shows Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, which will deliver long term support and certainty for the regions as the state reopens.
Applications are now open and close on Friday, 29 April 2022, or when funding is exhausted. For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/CountryShows.