Grants keep Queensland agricultural shows alive and well

A series of financial grants from the Queensland Government is backing agricultural shows in regional Queensland.

Agricultural shows in the Atherton Tableland, Charters Towers, Gladstone, Mackay, Malanda and Mt Larcom have each received cash grants from the Queensland Government's 2014/15 Show Society Grants scheme "to help keep the gates open for another year."

The grants are:

• Mackay & District Agricultural Pastoral & Industrial Association - $58,120
• Gladstone Show Society - $14,348 
• Mt Larcom & District Show Society Inc - $18,598
• Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society - $16,368
• Charters Towers Show - $14,434 
• Malanda Show Society - $16,805

Explaining the grants, Queensland Local Government Minister David Crisafulli stated "Queenslanders (have) flocked to their shows over the past three years with attendance figures up nearly 14%.

“It’s great to see our local shows continuing to thrive as they play such an important role in keeping community spirit alive, as well as being great fun for families.

“Whether it’s cattle, fresh produce, sideshow alley or secret scone recipes, the fact is Queenslanders love their local show and it’s important they keep rolling up to support and celebrate what makes their town great.

“We also need to recognise the on-going efforts of over 13,500 Queenslanders who volunteer to work behind the scenes to pull together our local shows.”

Image courtesy of the Mackay & District Agricultural Pastoral & Industrial Association.

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