The Kiama Show Society has received a $45,000 grant from the New South Wales Government’s $5 million Country Shows Support Package to help it stage the 2022 Show after two cancelled years.

“It has been a tough few years for country shows, with drought, bushfires, storms, floods and COVID-19 disrupting plans, but as they say, the show must go on and this funding will help make that a reality for these local agricultural shows,” says the Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward.

“This funding also provides certainty for show organisers that they can lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for our local small businesses.”

Kiama Show Society President Neil McLaren says, “It is really welcomed and necessary to keep the Show going for the community in these uncertain times.

“We are very grateful to Gareth Ward and the State Government for addressing our need.

“Without this money we couldn’t do what we are setting out to do.”

As well as covering some of the necessary costs, at a time when it is hard to predict income, the money will allow the Society to stage a concert of local performers.

“It is money that is going to be going back into the community,” says Neil.

He says they are in a different situation to the organisers of the recently cancelled Rotary Antiques & Retro Fair who also had the loss of the critical mass of dealers to contend with.

“In addition to our concern for the community, we have a lot of older stewards and judges and don’t want to put anyone at risk.

“We are mainly outdoor, and will have special conditions for the Pavilion, which will more than likely be masks and vaccination certificates.

“In addition, we are working on the Pavilion having a one way flow.”

With the costs of two cancelled shows to contend with, and not being able to do its normal fundraising events, the financial support is a real relief for the Society.

“We’ve had to put money up in advance, and even if a show doesn’t go ahead it does cost money,” says Neil. 

“Even in normal years, the Show runs a very precarious budget, often running at a loss and being offset by fundraisers such as the trivia night.

“This a bit of a buffer and allows us to proceed with more confidence.”

The Berry, Nowra, Albion Park and Kangaroo Valley Shows have also received Government support.

The funding can be used for a range of purposes including ensuring shows are COVID-Safe, subsidising stall fees, equipment hire, upgrading show facilities or engaging locally based artists and musicians.

Details: The 174th Kiama Show is on 21-22 January. Go to their website for tickets, to view the Schedule and to register your entries. The next Bugle will include a pull-out guide to the Show, including an entry form.