The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on regional shows and field day events but in a welcome boost organisers forced to cancel in 2020 have another opportunity to recover some expenses.
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Eligible events approved under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program are being invited to submit supplementary expense claims, which comes after almost $34 million in initial payments was rubber-stamped last year.
More than $400,000 of that was approved across the Central West following widespread cancellations as a result of the pandemic, with at least Rylstone-Kandos and Cumnock's shows also called off in 2021 due to ongoing impact.
The chance for supplementary expense claims could help offset losses there and, for shows and events still going ahead, potentially provide a much-needed cash boost leading in.
"Our shows and field days have been diligently preparing ... and have continued to rack up legitimate expenses," Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said.
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"Now they will be able to claim additional eligible expenditure not included in their initial application, provided they haven't exceeded the funding cap for their show size.
"This is great news for those organisers and their communities looking to bounce back from COVID-19.
"Agricultural shows and field days are at the heart of our rural and regional communities and I encourage all Australians to get out and support them this year.
"The Australian Government is committed to ensuring organisers of these events are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond."
Supplementary expense claims under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program will be treated similarly to original applications in relation to assessment and decision making.
Eligible shows and field day organisers will be contacted directly with an invitation to make a supplementary claim for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020.
They will be assessed, and results are expected to be notified before 31 March 2021.
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