SINGLETON SHOW BOOST FOR 2022 RETURN

Singleton Show is set to spring into action in September after securing NSW Government support.

Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell today announced a $45,000 Country Shows Support Package grant will give the Northern Agricultural Association a much needed boost to ensure the 2022 show goes on.

“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 23 September and continue across the weekend with highlights including the Wife Carrying competition, the Young Farmers Challenge, demolition derby, fireworks and the Singleton Town Band.

A bumper line-up of traditional show competitions will feature in the pavilions whilst outdoors horse sports, equestrian and working dog trials will hold spectators’ attention.

“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 the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW 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.

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.

Applications are open until Friday 29 April or when funding is exhausted.

For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/CountryShows.