NEW funding support of $70,000 is aimed at helping the Riverland’s largest public event recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
The Federal Government last week announced the Riverland Field Days, Karoonda Farm Fair and Loxton Show would each receive funding under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.
Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, said economic assistance was necessary to ensure the events – many of which were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 – could be held next year.
“The Government launched this package to reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of COVID-19,” Mr Pasin said.
“I am pleased to announce that 18 shows and field days in Barker have been approved for funding to help ease cash-flow pressures.
Mr Pasin said Field Days and agricultural shows provided “huge economic spin-offs for local communities (plus) opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit”.
“These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city,” he said.
“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.”
Riverland Field Days executive manager Tim Grieger said the support would ensure the event’s site could be used for other bookings next year.
“It’s very important and a huge relief for our little group,” Mr Grieger said.
“Without that support it would be a struggle going forward, due to ongoing commitments to keeping the site operational.
“Not just for the Field Days, but we’ve got quite a number of bookings coming up in the next year.
“It will cover most of those ongoing cost like water, power, the insurance of buildings and the fixed operating costs that have to be met.
“That will help us get from this year to next year, so it’s a positive step going forward.”
The Karoonda Farm Fair Incorporated was also awarded $57,381, while the Loxton Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated will receive $6866 through the scheme.