Darling Downs societies receive funding for COVID-cancelled shows

Support for agricultural shows continues with federal government allocating over $200,000 of funding to Darling Downs region.

GOOD SHOW: Thanks to the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program, several Darling Downs show societies have received over $200,000 collectively in federal funding to provide operational support after the cancellation of their scheduled shows in 2020 because of COVID-19. Enjoying the 2019 Toowoomba Royal Show are (from left) Brooke Parlane, Olivia Lems and Danyela Beattie of JDH Fitting Service.

SIX Darling Downs show societies have collectively received more than $200,000, thanks to funding from the federal Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program.
It aims to support show societies across the country affected by 2020 COVID-related cancellations.

Show societies in Toowoomba, Dalby, Crows Nest, Goombungee-Haden, Goondiwindi and Warwick received a total of $201,361.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said agricultural show and field day organisers who cancelled their events in 2020 because of COVID-19 now had another opportunity to recover eligible expenses and receive a much-needed cash boost as events kick off for the 2021 year.

“Eligible shows and field days approved under the program are now being invited to submit supplementary expense claims,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Almost $34 million in cash has been rolled out to the 378 shows and field days (Australia wide) approved for funding for costs paid from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020.

“Our shows and field days have been diligently preparing to come back bigger and better in 2021 and have continued to rack up legitimate expenses.

“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.”

Mr Littleproud said agricultural shows and field days were at the heart of Australia’s rural and regional communities and was eagre to encourage all Australians to get out and support them this year.

“I will be getting out to my local shows in Queensland over the coming months and am certainly looking forward to seeing first-hand our communities and volunteers in action,” he said.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring organisers of these events are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond.”

Darling Downs Show Societies to receive funding through the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program:

Toowoomba Royal Show – $70,000.00

Goondiwindi Pastoral Show – $70,000.00

Dalby Show – $26,361.00

Warwick Show – $15,000.00

Crows Nest Show – $10,000.00

Goombungee-Haden Show – $10,000.00