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Riverina show societies have received an emergency funding boost, as committees struggle to balance their budgets in light of droughts, bushfires, and coronavirus shutdowns.
Four Riverina shows have secured a slice of the AgShows grant: Ardelthan getting $46,000, Lockhart getting $75,000, Illabo getting $118,000, and Leeton getting $92,000.
Lockhart Show Society president Bill Allitt said the funding was some much-needed good news for the people of Lockhart, who had been doing it tough in the age of coronavirus.
Mr Allitt said the $75,000 grant would go a long way to upgrade the ramshackle Lockhart showground sheds, which had fallen into disrepair over the years.
"The showgrounds are falling down around our ears; the building would have to be pre-1930s," Mr Allitt said.
Mr Allitt said the show society was "still in limbo" as to whether their show would be allowed to go ahead, but he remained optimistic that the restrictions would lift in time for their September event.
He said the show was always a good chance to get together and raise people's spirits during tough times, and that it was needed now more than ever.
"The coronavirus has been tough on little communities in terms of the schools and shops being closed, but we're resilient and we'll get through this," Mr Allitt said.
"We've been stuck in drought for quite a few years but now the rains have come - that's put a smile on everyone's face and it'll hopefully give us a good start to the cropping season."
The grant money has come just in time for the Illabo Show, which will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in October - if it is allowed to go ahead.
The show has received $118,000 for a range of upgrades, and Illabo Show Society secretary Nicole Hopkins said it was some welcome news after years of drought.
"It will be great to bring our show into its next century with the facilities looking as fantastic as it can, which will be a great help to the community," Mrs Hopkins said.
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Minister for agriculture David Littleproud said the dry conditions and coronavirus lockdown had dealt a harsh blow to regional economies, and that agricultural shows needed all the help they could get.
"Agricultural shows are a major drawcard for our regional towns, many of which have had to cancel events this year due to COVID-19," Mr Littleproud said.
"These grants will help show societies refurbish their show grounds and facilities, so that when their next event rolls around it will be even more attractive to show goers."