The organisers of the Singleton Show will receive a $45,000 grant from the NSW government to support its return in 2022.
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Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell announced the funding on Wednesday, April 6, as part of the Country Shows Support Package grant which he said would give the Northern Agricultural Association a much needed boost to ensure the 2022 show goes ahead.
"The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the 2020 and 2021 shows from taking place but the countdown is now on for this year's return of the three day event," Mr Layzell said.
"Singleton Show is a fantastic local tradition spanning 150 years and this grant will ensure it continues to delight locals and be a part of our Hunter Valley history for many generations to come."
The 2022 show will commence on Friday, September 23 and continue into the weekend with highlights including a wife carrying competition, the Young Farmers Challenge, demolition derby, fireworks and performances by the Singleton Town Band.
Traditional show competitions will also feature in the pavilions alongside outdoors horse sports, equestrian and working dog trials.
"The Country Shows Support Package has now delivered $165,000 worth of stimulus to five country shows across the Upper Hunter electorate," Mr Layzell said.
"I thank the local show committees for applying for their share of this NSW Government support and look forward to seeing the benefits it delivers to the Merriwa Springtime Show and Singleton Show in September."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package has provided a funding opportunity for 190 agricultural shows planned across the state in 2022.
"It's 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 these grants are helping make that happen," Mr Toole said.
"Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities - they not only celebrate the best of the best in the community but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.
"These grants will provide certainty to show organisers that they can lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses.
Under the Country Shows Support Package, funding of up to $15,000 is available to small shows with an audience of less than 2,000 people across all event days, while medium and large shows can apply for up to $30,000 and $45,000 respectively.
The $5 million Country Shows Support Package is part of the NSW Government's $200 million Regional Recovery Package, which will deliver long term support and certainty for the regions as the state reopens.
The state government said applications are open until Friday, April 29, or until funding is exhausted.
For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, visit the website of the NSW government.