A $3.5 million investment from the State Government will allow kids under 14 to attend this year’s Royal Melbourne Show for free.
The funding will be provided directly to agricultural and pastoral societies hosting shows this year to meet the cost of free entry for kids at more than 100 rural and regional shows across Victoria.
Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney made the announcement at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Thursday 28 July.
Minister Tierney said it was great to have the show back on the calendar after a two-year absence due to Covid-19.
“Agricultural shows are a fixture of Australian society and the Melbourne Royal Show is an institution,” Ms Tierney said.
Presented by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, the show contributes $244 million annually to Victoria’s economy and in previous years has attracted up to 460,000 visitors.
Agriculture Victoria is also working closely with the Melbourne Royal Show organisers to ensure biosecurity measurers are in place, including livestock movement, ahead of this year’s event – which opens on Thursday 22 September.
There are more than 300 dedicated biosecurity staff within the 1200-strong team at Agriculture Victoria currently undertaking FMD-specific training, scenario planning, and participating in emergency exercises to ensure they’re ready to respond quickly and effectively, the State Government said.
For more information about the Melbourne Royal, visit royalshow.com.au
