Melbourne Royal Show receives $3.2 million to support costs incurred from 2021 cancellation

March 11, 2022

The Federal Government is providing $3.2 million to the Melbourne Royal Show under Round 2 of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program to support costs incurred from the cancelled 2021 event.

The Melbourne Royal Show promotes and celebrates excellence in agriculture, with thousands of rural and regional Victorian agricultural producers coming together. In a normal year the show attracts around 450,000 visitors over 11 days and contributes more than $244 million to the state’s economy.

Federal Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Government is providing show societies and field day organisers with a much-needed cash injection after the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in 2021.

Minister Littleproud noted “Agricultural shows and field days generate over $1 billion to the Australian economy each year. Importantly, these events are a fixture of Australian life that build community spirit and celebrate agriculture in a fun, entertaining and inclusive environment.

“Continued support for iconic events, such as the Melbourne Royal Show, will contribute to the sustainability of agricultural show societies and the events they hold in 2022 and beyond.

“Capital City Royal Shows bring the best of the bush to the city and showcase our incredible Australian produce and innovations.

“I am looking forward to the Melbourne Royal Show when it returns bigger, better and more exciting than ever in 2022.”

Melbourne Royal Show President, Matt Coleman welcomed the announcement advising “we are most grateful to the Federal Government and in particular Minister Littleproud for the funding support and for recognising and valuing the ongoing economic, social and community benefits of agricultural shows, in particular the Melbourne Royal Show.

“With this funding support from the Federal government, we can now confidently plan and look forward to presenting a highly successful 2022 Melbourne Royal Show from 22nd September to 2nd October at Melbourne Showgrounds.”

The Melbourne Royal Show was cancelled in 2021 for the second consecutive year in the interest of public health and safety due to COVID-19.

This grant opportunity is part of the $21 million Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.

Click here for more information.

Images courtesy of the Melbourne Royal Show/RACV.

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2nd February 2022 - Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia names new Chief Executive

18th October 2021 - 2021 Royal Hobart Show to proceed

2nd October 2021 - 2021 Perth Royal Show organisers delighted with attendance levels

25th September 2021 - 2021 Perth Royal Show opens with $4 million support from Western Australian Government

24th September 2021 - Royal Hobart Show gets go ahead to run under Covid safe measure

22nd September 2021 - Perth Royal Show deploys Megatix for digital safety and security solution

20th September 2021 - 2021 Perth Royal Show to offer discounted tickets and walk-in COVID vaccination clinic

31st August 2021 - Cancellation of Royal Show impacts Adelaide Showgrounds

12th August 2021 - Royal Adelaide Show cancelled for second successive year

5th August 2021 - Perth Royal Show on track for 2021 return

28th July 2021 - Melbourne Royal Show cancelled for second consecutive year

21st May 2021 - Save Victorian Events founder slams Victorian Government’s lack of support for business event sector

2nd April 2021 - Save Victorian Events highlight Bluesfest cancellation as confirmation of need for Governments to back event cancellation insurance

30th March 2021 - Save Victorian Events calls for Industry Taskforce

3rd October 2019 - Melbourne Royal Show welcomes nearly 500,000 visitors

20th September 2019 - 2019 Melbourne Royal Show opens following week of record ticket sales

3rd October 2018 - New experiences prove popular at 2018 Melbourne Royal Show

22nd September 2018 - Melbourne Royal Show looks to attract new generation of showgoers

17th July 2018 - RASV appoints Zoonga Australia as Melbourne Royal Show ticketing partner

15th October 2016 - 450,000 people visit 2016 Melbourne Royal Show

25th September 2015 - Youth focus through 2015 Melbourne Royal Show

27th September 2014 - Disney magic draws crowds to Melbourne Royal Show

25th September 2014 - Focus on safety at Melbourne Royal Show

1st October 2013 - Thousands flock to 2013 Melbourne Royal Show

17th June 2013 - 2013 Melbourne Royal Show details released

31st January 2013 - Melbourne Royal Show expands to 12 days

19th October 2012 - Melbourne Royal Show attracts 490,000 visitors

23rd September 2012 - Agriculture remains at the heart of the Royal Melbourne Show

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