The Foster & District Agricultural Show will receive $90,309, to renew and reinvigorate their show grounds, under the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program.
Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent said this grant would benefit both the agricultural show society and regional communities in and around Foster.
“Agricultural shows like Foster are the heart and soul of our regional communities, bringing and keeping communities together through a fun family day out while providing a key economic injection into the local economy.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more purchases for local businesses.
“While many regional towns have had to cancel events this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19 this grant will help the Foster Show Committee refurbish their grounds so that next year the Show will be even bigger and better than ever.
“I would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate the Foster Show committee and community for putting together another fantastic show earlier in 2020 after a short hiatus.
“The success of this year’s Foster Show is a testament to the passion and commitment of locals in supporting both the history and future of their show,” Mr Broadbent said.
Foster Agricultural Show Secretary, Denia Gilheany said that the grant will be used for a range of infrastructure works including the refurbishment of the Foster Showgrounds exhibit shed, installation of a marquee, portable sheep yards and portable tiered seating.
“The Show Committee are thrilled to receive this grant and look forward to undertaking some very overdue works on the existing exhibit shed, and purchasing portable infrastructure that will enable us to offer new competitions and further promote agriculture of South Gippsland.
“We hope that our planned use of this funding can be beneficial not only to the development and future of our show, but also to other community groups throughout the year.
Our committee would like to extend a huge thank you to the Commonwealth Government for financially supporting our project and for the community members who have supported this application and our Show,” Ms Gilheany said.
Foster Show Avenue of Agriculture Coordinator, Robbie Davidson said that the purchase of a marquee will allow the Show to not only host a special sheep and goat show but also expand sheep shearing, wool classes and provide sheep and goat milking demonstrations while also expanding displays of South Gippsland produce.
“By enhancing this section of our show, we will be able to further promote the important role agriculture plays within our community, in and around Foster,” Mr Davidson said.
Show Fast Facts:
• There are around 580 agricultural shows across Australia.
• Agricultural shows contribute around $965 million to the economy each year.
• Nearly 6 million Australians visit an agricultural show each year.
