The 2021 Hawkesbury Show has been given a $70,000 boost by the Federal Government.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud and Western Sydney senator Marise Payne announced today [Friday, December 4] that the money would be forthcoming under the government's Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field dsays program.
The funding, which will be provided to show organiser, Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association, will be rolled out before Christmas.
Association president Ross Matheson said it was great news for the Hawkesbury.
"The Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association is delighted to be the recipient of funding under the government's COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund," he said.
"2020 has been a particularly difficult year, with the Hawkesbury suffering from bushfires, floods and then impacted by COVID-19, which meant we had to cancel our show just six weeks prior.
"The announcement of $70,000 ensures the continuation and sustainability of our association and will enable us to plan for the staging of a show in 2021."
Hawkesbury Show is considered one of the most iconic anniual events in the area and it remains one of the most successful agricultural events of its kind in now only NSW, but the country, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Mr Littleproud announced the package to reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days that had been cancelled due to the pandemic two months ago.
"The Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021," he said.
"These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city."
Ms Payne stressed the importance of the show to the region, saying it supported tourism and jobs and showcased the very best of the Hawkesbury.
"In June, the president of the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association, Ross Matheson, told the Hawkesbury Gazette he was hopeful of securing funding," she said.
"So I am very pleased to confirm that not only will the association receive government support, they will receive the maximum amount of funding available.
"This is welcome news for local jobs and businesses in the Hawkesbury as we comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Ross, Andrea and the team at the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Show have shown remarkable resilience throughout the year and this is a really positive outcome to round out 2020.""
Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia secretary Wendy Franklin welcomed the fast turnaround of applicants' approvals.
"Getting this money out the door is going to be a fantastic Christmas present for many of our event organisers," she said.
The government estimates that agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to the national economy each year but rely largely on financial assistance from supporters and attendees.
There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide, which attract six million visitors and are serviced by 50,000 volunteers.
