Country shows will go ahead across regional NSW despite the crippling drought and devastating impact of the bushfires, with the NSW Government to sponsor the popular agricultural events that help boost businesses and community spirit.
Member For the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the announcement of sponsorship grants of up to $5,000 available for shows, as part of the $170 million Drought Stimulus Package would be a huge boost to the community.
“People in our electorate are hurting,” Mr Saunders said.
“Country shows have always been part of the social fabric in our communities, and to be able to keep these shows going this year will be a huge benefit to the local community, both as a moral boost as well as an economic boost.
“Shows also give those on the land a chance to take their minds off things and celebrate the wonderful things that agriculture provides to our regions.”
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said drought and bushfires have prompted the cancellation of more than a dozen country shows in recent months and government sponsorships would assist organisers of future shows in 2020 with costs associated with putting on the events.
“In drought regions local businesses are struggling to find the money they’d usually provide for sponsorships, and we’ve seen how bush fires on the South Coast resulted in cancelled shows where showgrounds became evacuation centres,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Country shows draw huge crowds which gives local businesses exposure and a chance to showcase products or increase sales, creating work for suppliers, keeping money flowing through towns.”
Given the drought has affected most of regional NSW in 2019 and bushfires have touched many areas of the state, every show society in regional NSW will be able to apply for funding for their country show.
Applications will be accepted from show societies in regional areas. To apply for sponsorship for your show society, go to https://rgf.smartygrants.com.au/CountryShowsSponsorship.
For up to date information about the NSW Government’s Bush Fire Recovery effort, go to http://www.service.nsw.gov.au.
For further information about the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package, go to http://www.nsw.gov.au/droughtstimuluspackage.