Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud MP, and Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator Marise Payne, said the first payments under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will roll out before Christmas.
“Two months ago I launched this package to reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of COVID-19,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021.
"These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city.”
Senator Payne said the iconic Hawkesbury Show will return in 2021, supporting tourism and jobs and showcasing 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," Senator Payne 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."
Ross Matheson, President of the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association, said the funding was good 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," Mr Matheson 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 6 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."
Secretary of the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia 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,” Mrs Franklin said.
