Melbourne Royal Show receives $3.2 million to support costs incurred from 2021 cancellation

The Federal Government is providing $3.2 million to the Melbourne Royal Show under Round 2 of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program to support costs incurred from the cancelled 2021 event. 

The Melbourne Royal Show promotes and celebrates excellence in agriculture, with thousands of rural and regional Victorian agricultural producers coming together. In a normal year the show attracts around 450,000 visitors over 11 days and contributes more than $244 million to the state’s economy.

Federal Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Government is providing show societies and field day organisers with a much-needed cash injection after the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in 2021.

Minister Littleproud noted “Agricultural shows and field days generate over $1 billion to the Australian economy each year. Importantly, these events are a fixture of Australian life that build community spirit and celebrate agriculture in a fun, entertaining and inclusive environment.

“Continued support for iconic events, such as the Melbourne Royal Show, will contribute to the sustainability of agricultural show societies and the events they hold in 2022 and beyond.

“Capital City Royal Shows bring the best of the bush to the city and showcase our incredible Australian produce and innovations.

“I am looking forward to the Melbourne Royal Show when it returns bigger, better and more exciting than ever in 2022.”

Melbourne Royal Show President, Matt Coleman welcomed the announcement advising “we are most grateful to the Federal Government and in particular Minister Littleproud for the funding support and for recognising and valuing the ongoing economic, social and community benefits of agricultural shows, in particular the Melbourne Royal Show.

“With this funding support from the Federal government, we can now confidently plan and look forward to presenting a highly successful 2022 Melbourne Royal Show from 22nd September to 2nd October at Melbourne Showgrounds.”

The Melbourne Royal Show was cancelled in 2021 for the second consecutive year in the interest of public health and safety due to COVID-19.

This grant opportunity is part of the $21 million Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.

Click here for more information.

Images courtesy of the Melbourne Royal Show/RACV.