The importance of country shows as popular agricultural events that help boost businesses and community spirit - even in the midst of crippling drought and the devastating impact of the bushfires - is why funding has been made available to keep them running.
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Member For the Dubbo electorate, Dugald Saunders, said "people in our electorate are hurting". And welcomed the announcement of sponsorship grants of up to $5,000 available for shows, as part of the $170 million Drought Stimulus Package as a boost to the community.
"Country shows have always been part of the social fabric in our communities, and to be able to keep these shows going this year will be a huge benefit to the local community, both as a moral boost as well as an economic boost," Mr Saunders said.
"Shows also give those on the land a chance to take their minds off things and celebrate the wonderful things that agriculture provides to our regions."
Given the drought has affected most of regional NSW in 2019 and bushfires have touched many areas of the state, every show society in regional NSW will be able to apply for funding for their country show.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said drought and bushfires have prompted the cancellation of more than a dozen country shows in recent months.
And that these sponsorships would assist organisers of future shows in 2020 with costs associated with putting on the events.
"In drought regions local businesses are struggling to find the money they'd usually provide for sponsorships, and we've seen how bush fires on the South Coast resulted in cancelled shows where showgrounds became evacuation centres," Mr Barilaro said.
"Country shows draw huge crowds which gives local businesses exposure and a chance to showcase products or increase sales, creating work for suppliers, keeping money flowing through towns."
Applications will be accepted from show societies in regional areas. To apply for sponsorship for your show society, go to rgf.smartygrants.com.au/CountryShowsSponsorship. For further information about the NSW Government's Drought Stimulus Package, go to nsw.gov.au/droughtstimuluspackage.