THE Gawler Show will receive a share in a $36 million Federal Government funding program aimed at ensuring the survival of agricultural events.

The ‘Supporting Agricultural Shows’ program will provide a one-off reimbursement to agricultural show societies to deal with cash flow pressures caused by COVID-19 related cancellations.

Gawler Show organisers were forced to cancel this year’s highly-anticipated event (set for late August) when faced with uncertainty around patron safety and government imposed social distancing and event restrictions.

Agriculture, drought and emergency management minister David Littleproud said the role shows play in connecting agriculture and regional Australia to metropolitan Australians, is acknowledged.

“There is a real risk that if we don’t help that not only could royal shows cease to function the way they are now but also those small shows all of which are run by volunteers could fold,” he said.

“I encourage my state and territory counterparts to also make a contribution to help agricultural shows survive the impact of COVID-19 because of the positive impact they have on their economies.”

The funding program comprises three components, with the Gawler Show eligible to claim up to $70,000 as part of a pool of $10 million specifically set aside to help local shows with operational support.

Agricultural Shows Australia, the national peak body, will be able to seek funding for its National Rural Ambassador competition for 2020 and 2021.

Eligible reimbursement costs are expected to include bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licencing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.

All agricultural shows that have cancelled their show in 2020 because of COVID-19 will be eligible and they will not have to compete for assistance.

The Gawler Show currently has an online competition which relates to having to self-isolate or spend a great deal of time at home, which calls for entries up until the end of the month.

Organisers also remain hopeful they will be able to hold a smaller version of the show later in the year.