It will be a mix of old and new for the 145th Walcha Show on the 11th and 12th of March, thanks to $36,000 from the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Country Shows Support Package.
Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the return of the Walcha Show was an opportunity to bring the community together after a tough period for the town.
“Nothing brings our communities together like a show and the Walcha Show embodies that true rural community spirit with about 230 volunteers contributing to running a successful event every year,” Mr Anderson said.
“This funding removes a significant financial burden for the organising committee who have committed to spending the money locally to support local businesses as they bounce back from drought, bushfire, flood damage and COVID-19.”
Walcha Show Society Secretary Dale Webber said the annual show was a highlight in the social calendar for the town.
“The show creates a bit of atmosphere and gives people something to think about through tough times. People come from around all around NSW, bringing competitors who spend money locally.” Mr Webber said.
“This funding will allow us to put some more money into the community by buying what we can locally. It also means we are not relying on local businesses for sponsorship.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides 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.”
The 145th Walcha Show will be held on the weekend of the March 11-12.
For more information, please visit https://walchashow.org.au/home
