The Australian Government has extended a $15 million lifeline to the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (RAS of NSW) to continue a legacy of Australia’s largest agricultural event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show).  
 
Following the financial impact of the event’s cancellation due to COVID-19, the Supporting Agricultural Shows program has secured the longevity of the event into 2021 and provided funding for agricultural shows across Australia.
 
RAS of NSW President, Robert Ryan OAM says the program is a welcomed helping hand that has provided hope for not only the Show but agricultural events across our country.
 
“The Sydney Royal Easter Show is a celebration of Australian culture, a shared experience that brings the country to the city every year and allows us to not only reignite the nation’s passion for agriculture but shine a light on regional and rural Australia,” Mr Ryan said.
 
“For almost 200 years the RAS of NSW has been engaging, educating and entertaining our community on the values of sustainable agriculture and today, thanks to the Australian Government’s support this legacy will continue.”
 
The event which first ran in 1823 generates more than $250 million dollars for the Australian economy every year and is an integral revenue stream for many businesses within the event, hospitality and agricultural sectors. 
 
The Australia Government’s Supporting Agricultural Shows program will see $36 million granted to Australia’s 580 local, regional and state shows to secure the continuation of these community events following the impacts of COVID-19.