The Maffra & District Agricultural Society Inc. will receive a grant for $8,861 from the Victorian Coalition Government to help improve the Maffra’s annual agricultural show.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said, agricultural and pastoral shows were a rich and valued event on the yearly calendar providing a focus on agriculture, craftsmanship and skilled animal handling.

“It takes a lot of work each year by a small team of dedicated volunteers to organise the show and the Coalition government is proud to support these volunteers by investing in grants to help improve facilities,” Mr Bull said.

Maffra & District Agricultural Society’s president, Jenny McDavitt and secretary Noel Goddard said, the committee is delighted with the news that their grant application has been successful. The grant will go a long way to developing a top show jumping arena at the Maffra Recreation Reserve and will improve safety and benefit many generations to come, they said

”Show jumping chief steward, Sally Lee said, “a new show jumping specific facility will provide enormous benefits in being able to grow participants and attract entries from across Victoria and possibly interstate.”

“The Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program is part of the government’s commitment to rural and regional Victoria,” said Mr Bull.

“We have also reversed the restrictive changes Labor made to public holidays which removed councils’ ability to choose their own public holiday.

“Our agricultural and pastoral shows were missing out on valuable turnover because Labor’s one-size-fits-all approach resulted in declining attendance.

“This program gives further support to our shows by funding improvements to facilities that would otherwise not be upgraded.”

Tim congratulated members of the Committee for their commitment to hosting and co-ordinating the show each and I encourage all members of the community to continue to support their efforts,” said Mr Bull.