Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week I had the pleasure of informing 16 agricultural show committees that they were recipients of funding through the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program. Every representative I spoke to was overjoyed and many were brought to tears after such a difficult year. Agricultural shows and field days in Mildura, Charlton, Edenhope, Murtoa, Nhill, Natimuk, Warracknabeal, Cohuna, Swan Hill, Donald, St Arnaud, Kaniva, Kerang, Horsham and Dimboola will all share in over $200,000 worth of funding. The representatives told me how hard this year has been on their cash-strapped committees, with many running on empty. This funding will see shows in these communities return bigger and better in 2020-21. While it has been a tough year for show committees, it's also been a year for innovation. Horsham Agricultural Society hosted the first online ag show in Victoria, complete with virtual animal nursery, fashion parade and concert. I know the committee, led by Zack Currie, will put their funding to good use for next year. Ag shows and field days are the soul of regional communities across the country. They foster community spirit and highlight the prosperity of our regions. I look forward to attending our shows in 2021.