Local agricultural show societies in the Hinkler electorate could be eligible for a share of $10 million in Australian Government one-off payments to help them recover from the impacts of cancellations due to COVID-19.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said eligible local shows could receive a reimbursement of up to $70,000 under the Supporting Agricultural Shows program.

“This is fantastic news for the many hardworking show society volunteers in the Hinkler electorate who because of COVID-19 were unable to stage a show for their communities this year,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Government is reimbursing shows for costs incurred in 2020 and funds will be paid in 2021 and I encourage local show societies to check their eligibility and apply when the grants open.

“Funding is also being provided to support the cancelled agricultural shows in our capital cities meet sunk costs and this is important as Royal shows are a major opportunity for rural and regional Australians to showcase their produce and livestock to a wider audience.”

The Australian Government is spending $36 million to support agricultural show societies recover from the effects of COVID-19, ensuring they can continue after the pandemic.

The Supporting Agricultural Shows program also provides $100,000 to Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) for its National Rural Ambassador competition in 2020 and 2021.

This funding complements the Australian Government’s existing $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program and will be provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis.

More information on the Fund will be available at: https://www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/covid-19-relief-and-recovery-fund.aspx.