The Maleny Show will look a little different next year, following a Morrison Government grant of $486,111 announced today by Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace. The grant will go toward the construction of new facilities which will help renew and reinvigorate the Maleny Show Grounds.
Mr Wallace said that the grant, delivered under the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, would help make the next Maleny Show even bigger and better than ever.
“Every year this event is absolutely the biggest show in town and it has been very disappointing for all of us in Maleny to miss out in 2020. However, thanks to this grant I’m pleased to say that next year’s Maleny Show will be our best yet!” Mr Wallace said.
The Maleny Show has been the Southern and Central Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s largest Agricultural Show for the past 80 years. This year’s Show has had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“The grant will be used by the Maleny Show Society to build a new workshop and shed, to extend their offices to provide more capacity for putting together a terrific show, and to construct new accessible amenities to make it easier for people with disabilities to come along and take part in the fun. That is going to benefit not only our show, but our whole community in providing work for local builders in the short term and drawing more visitors to our community in the years to come.” he said.
“Sadly this year’s Show had to be cancelled. But this funding is going to be a boost for Maleny now and into the future and is another example of the Federal Government investing in our community to help us emerge stronger than ever from this COVID-19 crisis. I thank the Commonwealth Government and Minister Littleproud for their support. I can’t wait to set up my marquee again at next year’s Show and get stuck into all it has to offer.” Mr Wallace said.
Maleny Show Society President Winston Johnston said that the Society is privileged to receive this grant.
“This grant will benefit not only the Show Society but TS Centaur, the cricket club, the soccer club and many more. At the present moment we are starved for these kinds of facilities and our ground staff desperately need more area for working and storage. We want to thank the Federal Government for honouring us with such a large grant.” Mr Johnston said.
“I’d also like to thank my team, because the Maleny Show Committee is a team. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved. Maleny Show is undoubtedly one of the best country shows in Queensland.” he said.
“This grant means that the Show can move on the next stage and grow even bigger. We’re going to go to the next level. We will be a bigger show, and we’re adding new things to our entertainment every year.” Mr Johnston said.
Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the grants would benefit both agricultural show societies and regional communities.
“Agricultural shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, bridge the divide between country and city and provide a key injection into the local economy,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia’s food and fibre.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more purchases for local businesses.”
“I’m aware that many regional towns have had to cancel events this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“These grants will help our show societies refurbish their show grounds and facilities, so that when their next event rolls around they will be even more attractive to show goers.
“The Australian Government wants to see our agricultural shows continue to thrive, so that they can be enjoyed by Australians for generations to come.”
For a full list of successful applicants visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/ag-shows
