Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

During this year, many shows and field days were forced to cancel due to COVID. The coalition government recognises the importance of agricultural shows and field days—the money they bring into towns and regions, along with social interaction and technology. Via its Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program, this government is keen to ensure that show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021. Plans are for a rollout to eligible show societies before Christmas.

Under this program, shows and field days are eligible to apply for reimbursement of costs such as rates, insurance, utilities and telecommunications. Over $340,000 will flow to show societies in Flynn and the Emerald ag show. Geoff Dean, the director of the Emerald agricultural show, welcomed the news last week that his field day would benefit by $70,000, and the Mount Larcom Show president, Michael Wallace, also showed his great gratitude because his show will benefit by $60,000. Show events that were forced to cancel in 2020 are very positive about hosting their events in 2021.