Hendy Cowan

Hendy Cowan

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    Rural shows in South West get boost

    18/08/2000 12:55 PM
     
    18/8/00


      Five agricultural societies and organisations in the South-West have won grants totalling more than $11,000 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 screens and livestock pens to an unloading ramp for heavy machinery displays.

      “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 South-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 $4000.

      Grants awarded to South-West organisations include:
      • Balingup Small Farm Field Day
        $1,197 for display tables and seating at the Balingup Small Farm Field Day, April 21, 2001;
      • Brunswick Agricultural Society
        $2,500 to construct a new goat shed at the Annual Brunswick Show on October 28;
      • Bunbury Agricultural Society
        $2,918 to purchase screening for displays at the Bunbury Show, March 23-24, 2001;
      • Harvey Agricultural Society
        $4,000 to construct an unloading ramp for heavy machinery displays at the Harvey Agricultural Show, October 20-21; and -
      • Margaret River and Districts Agricultural Society
        $3,061 to upgrade display equipment at the Margaret River and Districts Agricultural Society Annual Show,
        November 11.

      Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595