George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's show time in the Dawson electorate. Today is show holiday in Mackay. On Sunday I was at the Pioneer Valley Show and tomorrow I will be opening the Proserpine Show. Thousands of families and excited kids will be flocking to the showgrounds for the first time in two years, to grab a show bag, enjoy the fun rides, play the games and, of course, chow down on the highly nutritious dagwood dog. Sadly, shows were cancelled last year due to the pandemic restrictions. This left the Mackay Show Society and many others without any income and facing a future of financial uncertainty. Thankfully, the Morrison Liberal-National government stepped in and provided $70,000 to the Mackay Show Society to ensure the show could take place in 2021 and beyond. Another $15,000 went to the Bowen Show Society, $41,000 to the Proserpine Show Society and $70,000 to the Pioneer Valley Show Society.

This funding was made possible by the $34 million Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program. The importance of keeping these annual shows going should not be underestimated. They provide opportunities for our farmers and other community members to showcase and celebrate what they do and what they do best. The show must go on, and I'm pleased to say that, thanks to the funding from the Morrison Liberal-National government, it certainly will, and with gusto.