Melbourne Show cancelled: Country Women’s Association of Victoria loses scone fundraiser
The famous scones at the Royal Melbourne Show will remain in country kitchens this year as the Country Women’s Association looks for alternative sources of revenue.
MORE than $100,000 in funds raised by the Country Women’s Association has been rolled with the cancellation of the 2020 Royal Melbourne Show.
Famed for their scone fundraiser at the Melbourne Showgrounds each year, CWA organisers are now examining other options following this morning’s cancellation of the September event.
CWA Victoria president Marion Dewar said other state divisions faced a similar dilemma with the cancellation of their respective royal shows due to coronavirus-related impediments.
“It was inevitable — fortunately, the decision was made by the RASV (Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria) sooner rather than later,” Mrs Dewar said.
“The Royal Melbourne Show is the biggest fundraiser for the CWA each year, by far. The profit from the past couple of shows has been around or higher than the $100,000 mark.
“(Show attendees) are very supportive. The service provided by CWA is considered by many as an essential part of the Show.”
Mrs Dewar said the organisation would now consider how to fill the Royal Show fundraising void. Community support through an online fundraiser is also being considered. When Sydney’s Royal Easter Show was cancelled last month, the NSW division of the CWA introduced the concept of “virtual scones.”
“Any government assistance is always welcome and many in (both state and federal government) understand the importance of our role,” Mrs Dewar said.
“The NSW idea of virtual scones is also something we may have our own slant on. The generosity of the public through donations is certainly welcome too.”
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