The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown a proverbial hand-grenade into the Australian way of life and one of the results has been the cancellation of shows and events so loved by so many grey nomads.
Despite the cancellation of the majority of shows up and down the country this year, the president of the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW, Tim Capp, has insisted that the show spirit was very much alive and well.
Mr Capp is encouraging every show society in the country to create a ‘no-show scarecrow’ as a sign of solidarity for cancelled shows throughout October.
“Shows are unique reflections of their local community, and we recommend each show society puts a local spin on their no-show scarecrow to be displayed proudly in a prominent location as a reminder that the show will go on and to put a smile on local faces in the process,” he said. “Agricultural shows in Australia attract six million visitors annually and the volunteer hours required to run the 660 shows makes the show movement the largest volunteer network in the country.”
Looking ahead to 2021, all states and territories are developing strategies by which future events can be held in a Covid-safe manner.
In Tasmania, the government has just released a ‘Covid-19 Safe Events and Activities Framework’ to support event organisers as they plan and hold events next year.
Tasmanian Minister for Arts, Elise Archer said, while there was a way forward for shows, all events would still have to comply with existing density and physical distancing requirements.
“Tasmanians have played a crucial role in reducing the risk of Covid-19 in our state and it’s because of this hard work we are now in a position to start planning larger events once again,” she said. “All events will also need to have a Covid-19 safety plan to give patrons maximum confidence that they can attend arts and cultural events safely.”
The social and community benefits of agricultural shows, many of which are under constant financial pressure, is well recognised. Earlier this year, the Federal Government committed in an extra $36 million to support show societies around Australia after many were forced to cancel their events.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the cancellations had a big impact on regional communities as the shows generated $1 billion each year.
“Agricultural shows are part of the fabric of regional Australia, showcasing everything positive about our communities and local industries,” Mr McCormack said.
Whilst I commend the volunteers, I believe Mr Capp’s statement, “the volunteer hours required to run the 660 shows makes the show movement the largest volunteer network in the country” to be incorrect. The State Emergency Service volunteers cover every town and city of Australia.