Agri grant to benefit Clunes community

THE Federal government has granted one hundred and twelve thousand dollars to the Clunes and District Agricultural Society to refresh their showgrounds.

Part of the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, easily accessible toilets will be installed by the society, in place of 50-year-old facilities.

The society’s secretary, Gayle Wrigley said the corrugated iron building that exists is “unfit for purpose” and has been a priority on the committee’s to do list.

“It’s not family or disability friendly, it’s quite small and it’s had its day,” she said.

“This support is so valuable to organisations like ours. Without this grant, we wouldn’t have been able to do it at all. A small rural ag society just wouldn’t have a hope.”

The upgraded amenities will not only be helpful to attendees of the next Clunes Show, but for the town’s community groups, all year round.

“Our showgrounds are used regularly by the local campus of Wesley College, it’s a staging point for the CFA, it gets used by Clunes Booktown… So it’s not only about show day,” Mrs Wrigley said.

“Who could have known…all of us would be wondering, in this year, if we’d be able to have a show because of the virus? But it doesn’t matter; this will give a lasting benefit to the people of Clunes for a very long time.”

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said country shows “keep communities together,” and are their “heart and soul.”

“They bridge the divide between country and city, and provide a key injection into the local economy,” he said.

“These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia’s food and fibre. These grants will help our show societies refurbish their show grounds and facilities, so that when their next event rolls around they will be even more attractive to show goers.”