Hendy Cowan

Hendy Cowan

-

    Mid West shows benefit from grants

    18/08/2000 12:20 PM
     
    18/8/00


      Five agricultural societies in the Mid-West region have won grants totalling more than $10,800 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,” he said.

      The grants will be used to build or improve facilities ranging from trestle displays and poultry cages to pin-up boards and rodeo yards.

      “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,” Mr Cowan 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 Mid-West 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 Mid-West organisations include:
      • Chapman Valley Agricultural Society
        $1,828 to purchase sheep yards, poultry cages and a barrier for the Chapman Valley Agricultural Show on September 9;
      • Mullewa District Agricultural Society
        $4,000 to construct a livestock display shed for the Mullewa District Agricultural Society’s 67th Annual Show on September 2;
      • Northampton District Agricultural Society
      $2,334 to purchase trestle displays and build poultry display cages for the
      Northampton District Agricultural Show on September 16;
      • North Midlands Agricultural Society
        $1037 for pin-up boards for the North Midlands Agricultural Society Annual Show on September 16; and -
      • Perenjori Agricultural Society
      $1,664 to construct rodeo yards for the Perenjori Show on September 9.


      Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595