Maleny Show will be able to go ahead in 2021 – barring a new wave of COVID-19 – thanks to a $70,000 grant from the Morrison Government. The grant is part of a $34 million Australian Government fund to help ensure that Agricultural Shows that were cancelled in 2020 can bounce back next year.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said he was delighted that Maleny had been able to access this funding to help get them through this tough period and out the other side in a sound position to host again in 2021.
“Every year the Maleny Show is absolutely the biggest show in town and it has been very disappointing for all of us to miss out in 2020. However, thanks to this grant I’m sure 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 pay for expenses like grounds maintenance, rates, utilities, insurance, and much more to ensure they are able to go ahead next year. I know that many locals, like me, will be happy and relieved to hear that the Show will now be able to go ahead in 2021.” he said.
This funding is in addition to a Morrison Government grant of $486,111 announced by Mr Wallace in May this year which went toward the construction of new facilities which will help renew and reinvigorate the Maleny Show Grounds.
“Shows like this also help to maintain our farmers’ competitive edge by providing an outlet for new ideas, new technologies and new ways of working to be shared. I can’t wait to set up my marquee again at next year’s Show and experience more of what our region has to offer.” Mr Wallace said.
The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program funding is being provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund for regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Lois White, Secretary of the Maleny Show Society said “This grant will make the difference for us between being able to put on a show next year and not. It’s a godsend for us and we are so thankful for it. The Maleny Show Society have a couple of big new projects that we were hoping to do this year, and this funding has given us the confidence to make them happen. Overall, this has given us new momentum and there’s a lot of excitement now for next year’s Show.”
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud 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.
“Today I am pleased to announce that 378 shows and field days—including Maleny Show have been approved for funding to help ease cash-flow pressures.
“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.”
For more information about the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program, visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows
