NSW Government provides funds for 100 country shows

The NSW Government is to support thousands of competitors, performers, sellers, suppliers and families at country shows with an announcement today of cash sponsorships for 100 country shows.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro and NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said sponsorships of up to $5,000 have been paid or are soon to hit organisers’ bank accounts, allowing shows to be staged in 2020.

Deputy Premier Barilaro said many of the state’s show organising committees have already used the sponsorship money to meet immediate costs, putting cash into the wallets of locals, employing local contractors, equipment hire businesses, suppliers and talent.

He advised “country shows have always been a part of the social fabric of regional communities and long standing traditions where family, neighbours and friends to come together and celebrate their community and have some fun.

“It’s fantastic to see these sponsorships being taken up and rolled out within a month and I’m proud that the NSW Government is helping to foot the bill in areas that are doing it tough and giving local businesses the opportunity to showcase and sell their products.

“The funding provided also means champions and competitors who have spent years pursuing their passion, whether it be woodchopping, show jumping or baking, can earn the local performance points needed to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.”

Explaining that some show organising committees in bushfire and drought affected regions are using their sponsorship funding to host community events, such as barbecues or family days where locals can compete or relax and socialise at little or no cost, Minister Taylor added “the Nimmitabel Show was postponed twice due to bushfires and extreme weather and we have worked with organisers to fund an event that will still give locals some of the fun activities and judging competitions they’d usually enjoy at a show.

“These shows give people an opportunity to escape the daily pressures they are facing and I thank and congratulate the show committees, countless volunteers and exhibitors across the state who are working tirelessly to help these cherished community events go on.”

The NSW Government’s Country Shows sponsorship program is funded by the $170 million Drought Stimulus Package.

For further information about the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package, go to www.nsw.gov.au/droughtstimuluspackage.

Image: Bells Amusements' ride at the Goulburn Show.