Extra funding towards displays for rural and agricultural shows

17/9/96

Rural and agricultural shows around Western Australia will be able to improve displays for their local communities through extra funding from the State Government.

Thirty-three shows from Esperance to Northampton will benefit from grants under the 'Grants for Rural Show Displays' scheme, according to Commerce and Trade and Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan.

"Regional organisations and rural agricultural societies will receive grants of up to $3400 for projects ranging from purchasing new stock pens to constructing jumps for equestrian events," Mr Cowan said.

The scheme is designed to help boost rural development by assisting communities to promote their products and services.

This year's grants total almost $80,000.

"Country shows are an integral part of life in rural areas," Mr Cowan said.

"Communities which are keen to establish new facilities and present professional and attractive events are eligible.

"The funding is allocated on the basis of $2 of Government funds for $1 of applicant's funds, up to a maximum grant of $4,000. The funds were made available through the Department of Commerce and Trade's regional development and infrastructure division.

"The program is designed to help groups presenting livestock and agricultural displays, with pavilions, seating, pens and stands.

"Preference is given to projects that use local business and labour, and also to organisations that have not previously accessed the scheme."

Applications for the next round of Rural Show Displays grants will be called in April next year.

Recipients are:

Albany Agricultural Society Inc $3,000

Baldivis Primary School P & C Assoc Inc $1,148

Bindoon & Districts Agricultural Society Inc $2,680

Bridgetown Agricultural Society $3,400

Bruce Rock Agricultural Society $3,400

Brunswick Agricultural Society $2,486

Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and Recreational Society Inc $3,400

Dalwallinu Agricultural Society $3,400

Eneabba Sheeparena Inc $1,700

Rotary Club of Esperance $2,925

Harvey Agricultural Society $966

Jurien Marine Expo and Blessing of the Fleet $1,700

Katanning Agricultural Society $3,239

Kalgoorlie Pastoralists' and Graziers' Fair Committee $2,992

Kellerberrin Agricultural Society $1,955

Kojonup Pastoral & Agricultural Society $1,982

Kukerin Agricultural Society Annual Tracmach Vintage Fair $3,400

Margaret River & District Agricultural Society $2,284

Merredin Community Show Coordinating Committee $1,309

Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo $3,400

Mount Barker Agricultural Society $697

Northampton District Agricultural Society Inc $3,400

Osborne Park Agricultural Society Inc $3,000

Pingelly Agricultural Society $2,492

Quairading Agricultural Society Inc $2,897

Southern Districts Agricultural Society Inc $1,530

Upper Blackwood Agricultural Society $2,556

Shire of Victoria Plains - Calingiri Yabbie Festival $1,641

Wanneroo Agricultural Society Inc $1,700

Waroona Agricultural Society Inc $3,400

Williams Arts and Crafts Centre $827

Woolarama Speed Shear $2,383

Yilgarn Agricultural Society $2,635

TOTAL: $79,924

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595