THE absence of country shows hit the region hard during the COVID-19 pandemic but new funding is set to help secure the future of these events.
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The government has announced $4.3 million in the 2021-22 budget to ensure showmen and women can continue to support the popular events across the country.
Wagga 2019 Showgirl, Kate Webster understands the impact that having almost a year off shows has taken on the agricultural industry.
For her there was a two-year lead up to the prestigious Sydney Royal Easter Show.
After winning the Wagga Show accolade back in 2019, she represented the region at Sydney this year and earned the title of second runner up.
"On a government level it is important we see funding because a lot of shows shut down (during the coronavirus outbreak) and they didn't happen," she said.
Miss Webster was supportive of seeing these events return to the calendar and earn pride of place in the community.
She said the social aspect and gathering together as a community was also an important aspect of country shows.
Wagga Show Society president Robert Hamilton said the showmen and showmen certainly did it extremely tough during the COVID-19 pandemic when events were cancelled.
"We look forward to welcoming them all back to Wagga show later this year," he said.
Wagga Show is set to run on September and 11.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Supporting Agricultural Showmen and Women Program would be integral to the success of Australia's agricultural shows as the show circuit recommences.
"Agricultural shows attribute up to 75 per cent of their ticket sales to the attractions that travelling show businesses provide," Mr Littleproud said.
"They provide the services that get kids excited about our shows and get families coming through the gates, including amusement rides and show-bag stalls.
"That is why we are investing in our travelling agricultural showmen and women, primarily through rent relief at agricultural shows, so that they can continue to offer their entertainment and services. This support will also help to ease the cost of Showmen's Guild fees for 2021," he said.
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