Country shows encouraged to apply for new NSW government grants

Orange, Dubbo and Bathurst were all forced to cancel their shows in 2020, with some other Central West shows, including the Carcoar Show scratched for two years in a row.

The state government's Country Support Package will provide funding for a range of purposes, including ensuring shows are COVID Safe, subsidising stall fees, equipment hire, upgrading show facilities or engaging locally based artists or musicians.

Funding of up to $15,000 will be available to small shows with an audience of less than 2000 people across all event days, while medium and large shows can apply for up to $30,000 and $45,000 respectively.

The funding has been welcomed by AgShows NSW President Tim Capp who said it was an "acknowledgement of the importance of agricultural shows."

"Agricultural shows are an integral part of Australian culture and the most authentic and accessible display of Australian farming and regional life.

"To date, across the state over one hundred and thirty shows and field days have sadly been cancelled as a result of COVID-19.

"These cancellations impact the community, local economy, agriculture competition and the volunteers, who run in the hundreds and thousands," Mr Capp said.

Mr Capp said the funds will be vital to the ongoing success of agricultural shows in NSW in 2022, enabling committees to plan with financial confidence and enthusiasm.

"Through the support our NSW shows can plan their 2022 event to bring communities together, celebrate local agriculture, improve the local wellbeing and encourage past and new volunteers to be involved in one of the biggest events on their local community calendar," he said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said country shows were the "heartbeat" of 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.

"These grants will provide certainty to show organisers that they can lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses."

Mr Capp urged regional and rural NSW show societies to apply now, as applications must be submitted prior to the show in 2022.

Applications close in April 2022 or when funding is exhausted.

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