Hendy Cowan

Hendy Cowan

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    Grants for rural shows in Great Southern

    18/08/2000 1:12 PM
     
    18/08/00


      Four agricultural societies in the Great Southern have won grants totalling more than $12,700 to enhance stands, displays and other facilities at local shows and festivals.

      Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan said rural shows played a significant role in promoting the range of high quality goods and services produced in regional areas.

      “Effective promotion is fundamental to regional development and the grants provide practical support for communities to ensure professional and attractive displays that properly showcase the innovation and achievements of local producers,” Mr Cowan said.

      The grants will be used to build or improve facilities ranging from display frames and livestock pens to audience seating and judging tables.

      “There is enormous innovation in the rural sector, but maximising returns depends very much on getting that message out in a professional and unequivocal manner,” the Minister said.

      “This is a central theme of the new Regional Development Policy launched by the State Government earlier this year, and we are committed to implementing strategies and initiatives that directly assist regional communities in areas such as promotion and marketing.”

      The Great Southern recipients were among 31 organisations across the State sharing in more than $83,000 funding under the Grants for Rural Show Display Scheme, administered by the Department of Commerce and Trade.

      The funds are allocated on the basis of $2 Government funds for every $1 from applicants, to a maximum of $4,000.

      Grants awarded to Great Southern organisations include:
      • Albany Agricultural Society
        $4,000 to modify and purchase new alpaca and sheep pens for the Albany Agricultural Show, November 10-11;
      • Jerramungup Agricultural Society
      $3,000 to purchase seating and display frames for Show 2000,
      October 14;
      • Katanning Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Society
        $2,995 to construct poultry cages for the Katanning Agricultural Show;
        and-
      • Mt Barker Agricultural Society
        $2,253 to purchase industry standard wine tasting glasses and judging tables for the Wine Show of WA, Mt Barker, October 18-20.


      Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595