It’s SHOW TIME! The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show returns
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Society Show is back and $70,000 organised by Member of Fairfax, Ted O’Brien MP, has ensured the show will go on.
Last year’s event was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Federal Government stepped in with funding to help Agricultural Shows and Field Days survive the crisis.
“These Shows are a part of our Australian heritage that must be protected,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Who can ever forget their first trip to the Show; seeing the animals, the thrill of the rides, and going home clutching a fist-full of showbags!
“That’s why the Federal Government made sure this wonderful tradition was not lost for future generations.”
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Society received almost $70,000 in Federal funds to help it survive last year’s cancellation and the resulting loss of revenue.
Society President Rowan O’Hara says his organisation is grateful for the Government’s support.
“Last year was the toughest in memory for many people,” Mr O’Hara said. “And the Show Society’s were hit particularly hard, losing all of their annual revenue almost overnight.
“We can’t wait to see the crowds of the people coming through the gates and the happy smiles on the kids’ faces once again. That’s what Shows are all about.”
When an estimated 25,000 show-goers return to the Nambour Showgrounds this June 11-13, they will also find it more accessible, after Ted O’Brien announced a separate $100,000 of Federal funding last year that paid for the installation of a new passenger lift in the Main Pavilion.
“We can’t have people with disabilities or seniors using wheelers missing out,” Mr O’Brien said, “Now even more people, including those with mobility issues, will be able to enjoy this wonderful spectacle.”
Divisional Councillor David Law said he was pleased to see access improvements to the Showground’s Main Pavilion.
“This lift would not have been made possible without the Australian Government’s Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council’s Showgrounds Development Levy contributing $50,000,” Cr Law said.
“With the installation of this new lift, the Main Pavilion is now accessible upstairs for people who have mobility issues and cannot use stairs, and for young families with prams.
“The lift improves access for existing key stakeholders such as the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society, Queensland Garden Expo, Collectorama, the annual Swap Meet, the Darts Club and community members who will benefit.
“It also improves building accessibility when the Nambour Showgrounds is activated as an evacuation centre.”
Mr O’Hara added: “This lift has been on our wish-list for more than decade, so it’s great to see it finally installed.
“It will benefit all members of the community who in the past haven’t been able to reach the top of the stand because there were only stairs.”
Come and visit Ted’s stand, and grab your free showbag, at the Sunshine Coast Show June 11 – 13.