Kids go free as Wonthaggi show makes a comeback

THE Bass Coast Summer Agriculture Show in Wonthaggi is back! After three years in the COVID doldrums, the main event of summer in Bass Coast will make a triumphant return.

And the show has been awarded a Victorian Agricultural and Pastoral Societies grant courtesy of Agriculture Victoria to get the fun and festivities back on track.

Honorary Wonthaggi Show Secretary Rosemary Loughnan couldn’t be more pleased.

“We are just delighted at Wonthaggi AP and H Show Society Inc to successfully be awarded a grant, open to Victorian Agricultural and Pastoral Societies, supporting free entry for children to shows and field days and to boost their COVID recovery,” Mrs Loughnan said.

“The funding has been made available through the Victorian Government’s one-off investment in the Children Entry COVID Recovery Grants program.”

Agriculture Victoria Executive Director, Policy and Programs, Sarah-Jane McCormack, said the program ensures regional and rural shows come back stronger than ever.

“For the past two years, most of the state’s agricultural shows have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and these grants help organisers return to pre-pandemic attendance and revenue,” Ms McCormack said.

“Free entry for kids makes it easier for families to come along and see firsthand the best on-farm practices and to immerse themselves in learning experiences to better understand agriculture,” said Ms McCormack.

“Regional and rural shows are a fixture of Victorian society, building community spirit by celebrating agriculture in a fun, entertaining, educational and inclusive environment.”

Mrs Loughnan said the grant provided a boost just as preparations were ramping up for the return of the local show, on Saturday and Sunday, January 14 and 15.

“For us here, this will be such a game changer in the Bass Coast area as the social fabric of our area is feeling the effects of the cost of living and a day out for the children is a lovely thing to do,” Mrs Loughnan said.

“We have also reduced the cost for adults to enter our show. We can’t ignore our community.

“We truly appreciate this initiative by the Victorian Government and look forward to our Show in January 2023.”

Over $1 million in funding has been handed out to 79 events offering from $750 to more than $90,000 to the state’s biggest field days and shows.

Wonthaggi’s grant, although not revealed, is believed to be at the lower end of the scale, but no less welcome.

It’s all steam ahead now for the Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show, back again after three years away for COVID, to be staged on Saturday and Sunday, January 14 and 15.