The Andrews Labor Government is helping agricultural and pastoral shows across the state bounce back from the pandemic, and welcome visitors through the gates again.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas was at the Ballarat Showgrounds today to announce more than 40 Agricultural and Pastoral Societies have received grants totalling almost $300,000, to back a diverse calendar of local events in the new year.

As part of this funding, the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society received $7,507 to purchase a new cattle ramp and portable holding pens.

Other successful recipients span from East Gippsland to Red Hill and across to Hamilton, with individual grants of up to $10,000 helping societies upgrade or establish new facilities, increase local involvement in show activities and create more opportunities to promote agriculture and engage with the community.

The projects will enhance facilities for agricultural shows and other community events, providing support for societies that had to cancel or postpone shows due to the pandemic. It builds on almost $300,000 of support through the 2020-21 program which supported 46 projects.

Examples of infrastructure funded through the 2021-22 round include mobile sheep yards, new poultry cages, portable grandstands, marquees, sanitiser stations, display boards and cabinets.

The program also supported projects that promote compliance with COVIDSafe settings to encourage greater participation.

The projects assist the delivery of exciting events that provide direct benefit to agricultural communities, building confidence in the sector and supporting regional economies and jobs.

The program aligns with the Labor Government’s Agriculture Strategy by supporting the growth of the state’s Agricultural and Pastoral Societies to adapt and build resilience.

For more information and to see a full list of grant recipients, visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas

“We are looking forward to an exciting calendar of events next year in regional Victoria, with communities keen to return to their local shows and showcase all that the agriculture sector has to offer.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“These grants will help build greater community awareness and involvement in agricultural activities and is a great opportunity for local agricultural businesses to engage with their local community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“We know many agricultural shows and field days were cancelled, and this program is just one of the ways we are supporting our communities to bounce back from the pandemic.”