Page 16 - The Outdoor Showman JAN-MAR 2020

NSW 144 applications for $20.7m NT 3 applications for $0.3m QLD 117 applications for $22.9m SA 47 applications for $6.6m TAS 21 applications for $2.9m VIC 72 applications for $10.8m WA 41 applications for $4.8m
6 state applications for $ 3.0m Total 445 applications seeking $69.1m Large Shows = 124 applications
Small Shows = 315 applications
AGRICULTURAL SHOWS OF AUSTRALIA (ASA)
Agricultural Shows of Australia (ASA) was established in November 2016 to promote the role and significance of Australian Agricultural Shows to the wider community. The ASA’s vision
is a strong and vibrant network of Agricultural Shows working together to engage, influence and promote
the essential value of Australian agriculture. The membership of the ASA is made up of capital city Royal Agricultural Societies and state-based Agricultural Show bodies, together representing over 580 agricultural shows, with a combined economic value of $965 million annually.
Late last year, $20 million in Regional Agricultural Show grants was made available, fulfilling an election promise to ensure shows can not only keep going, but improve and expand. Applications closed on 13th December 2019.
The government released the following figures outlining the enormous response to the funding opportunity.
An independent selection advisory panel has been put together with the purpose of recommending
to a delegate of the Minister (a senior official in the Department of Agriculture) the applications that should be funded.
The Minister is likely to announce successful applicants in March 2020.
ASA recognises that with almost 450 applications proposing investment of almost $70 million being received at the close of applications on 13 December 2019 there is a real need for further funding for showgrounds across the country.
ASA will continue to lobby
for further funding to ensure showgrounds continue to serve the communities across a multitude of platforms.
ASA Inaugural Conference
More than 260 people attended ASA’s inaugural Conference on the Gold Coast 18 – 19 January 2020
to share ideas on the future of agricultural shows across Australia and New Zealand.
The event was hosted by Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation Committee who delivered a flawless, relevant and interesting conference. On Friday, the first ever National Next Gen Forum bought together over 70 delegates collaborating and securing the future of Agricultural Shows into the future. The main conference hosted international
and national speakers including International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) president and CEO, Marla Calico as keynote speaker.
A few key take home messages:
“Shows change lives” – Marla Calica, CEO IAFE
“The reason our shows exist is because of our volunteers” – Brock Gilmour, RAS of NSW
“If you have no conflict, then you have a dead group of people. It’s not
14 THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN