By Jessica Anstice
One of Victoria’s premier regional agricultural shows will receive a $70,000 funding boost to help ensure they can bounce back next year.
The Federal Government has granted Farm World the large sum through its Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.
Member for Monash Russell Broadbent said the first payments under the scheme will roll out before Christmas and are vital in ensuring regional shows and field days can continue on in 2021.
“I am pleased that as part of the 378 shows and field days across Australia that Farm World at Lardner Park has been approved for $70,000 in funding to help ease cash-flow pressures,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Broadbend said field days like Farm World are “uniquely Australian” and provide huge economic spin-offs for local communities as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.
“They 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,” he added.
Lardner Park CEO Craig Debnam said that he was pleased Farm World would be 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.
“This funding will help our organisation continue on to next year’s Farm World where we can once again showcase our region, our producers and our agricultural industry,” he said.
“Next year is looking so much brighter and I know this support will be fantastic boost for our local businesses, employees, families and school kids.
“Even if it’s to help cover costs such as rates, insurance and telecommunications, this support will go a long way towards ensuring next year we can bounce back bigger and better.”
Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood welcomed the government’s support.
He said that providing a financial boost has provided Lardner Park and Farm World with certainty and a renewed sense of optimism ahead of 2021 after a difficult year for everyone.
“After the uniquely difficult year we have faced, this funding from the Australian Government is a welcome boost for the agricultural sector as we head into 2021,” he said.
“I look forward to continuing to support our farmers and agricultural industry by visiting a bigger and better Farm World next year and welcoming families from near and far to enjoy a day out in our region.”
