Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, left, with Guyra Show Society Secretary Dorothy Lockyer, celebrating the $27,954 funding windfall to help with the running of the upcoming Guyra Show.
Monday, 7 February 2022
AFTER 114 years there’s not many records left to break for Guyra Show Society but organisers are confident the 2022 event will be ‘the biggest and best’ ever, after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced a $27,954 State Government grant from the Country Shows Support Package.
Since 2019, the State Government has provided almost $170,000 in stimulus funding for facility improvements at Guyra Showground and to support the operating costs of the annual show.
Mr Marshall said this funding was just reward for the hard work Guyra Show Society’s committee has put in to keeping the show going throughout the drought and COVID-19 pandemic.
“2022 will be, without a doubt, the biggest Guyra Show ever,” Mr Marshall said.
“Despite the pandemic, attendance at Guyra Show was at a record high last year and this is a target the society is set on beating again this year.
“Using this grant, it has been able to engage artists, including local favourites the Crooked Tree Band, to perform both days of the show.
“It has also subsidised the cost of Saturday night’s fireworks, the printing of schedules and the purchase of ribbons for winning exhibits.
“In particular, I am excited about the inclusion of the first ever long lunch on the Saturday, aimed at getting new people through the gates. Funds will be put towards the hiring of a large marquee and equipment for this event.
“This grant sets Guyra Show Society up for the future. By having fewer costs this year the money made through gate takings and entries essentially becomes profit, to be spent making future shows the best they can possibly be.”
Guyra Show Society President Richard Post said he could not be more grateful for the positive outcomes the grant will deliver to the local community.
“The Country Shows Support Package has given us the confidence to plan for our biggest and best show ever,” Mr Post said.
“The Guyra Show annually benefits hundreds within the community, injecting funds into the local economy at a time when other events may not be going ahead.
“Organisations like the Lions Club and Volunteer Rescue Association, which clean the showgrounds during the event, will receive a donation form the grant for their efforts, helping with their endeavours throughout the year.
“With the schedule we have put together we are optimistic our 2022 show can break last year’s attendance which was a record.
“Once again I thank Adam and the State Government for the ongoing support of Guyra Show.”