Agricultural show and field day organisers that cancelled their events in 2020 because of COVID 19 now have another opportunity to recover eligible expenses and receive a much-needed cash boost as events kick off for the 2021 year.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said that eligible shows and field days approved under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program are now being invited to submit supplementary expense claims.

“Almost $34 million in cash has been rolled out to the 378 shows and field days approved for funding for costs paid from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” David said.

“Our shows and field days have been diligently preparing to come back bigger and better in 2021 and have continued to rack up legitimate expenses.

“Now they will be able to claim additional eligible expenditure not included in their initial application, provided they haven’t exceeded the funding cap for their show size.”

Agricultural shows and field days are at the heart of rural and regional communities and David wants to encourage all Australians to get out and support them this year, “I will be getting out to my local shows in Queensland over the coming months and am certainly looking forward to seeing first-hand our communities and volunteers in action.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring organisers of these events are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond,” he said.

Supplementary expense claims under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program will be treated similarly to original applications in relation to assessment and decision making.

Eligible shows and field day organisers will be contacted directly with an invitation to make a supplementary claim for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020.

They will be assessed, and results are expected to be notified before 31 March 2021.

Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival is back, bigger and more bogan than ever with the announcement that the 2021 edition will be held at the Bedgerabong Racecourse on the June long weekend, 11 to 13 June. It will be the second time the festival has been held but the first time in the Forbes Shire after the success of the 2019 event at Bogan Gate.

“Forbes Shire and the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Committee have been tremendously supportive and proactive,” said festival organiser Luke Acheson, “the Bedgerabong Racecourse is a top-quality venue and home to not only significant regional events, but also one of the oldest race meetings in Australia.

“We are extremely pleased with the new home of Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival, as it provides us with more options, from higher capacity and camping, through to streamlined transport,” Luke said.

This year’s event will see the return of the same bogan royalty who made the inaugural trip to Bogan Gate in 2019, including Hype Duo, Chris Franklin, The Noll Brothers and Been Bogan as MC.

“We have more announcements and surprises in store, so watch this space,” Luke said, “though we can confirm many of the old favourites, such as husband calling, best dad bod, and worst smile will be back.

“Additionally, I can also announce that Turkey gobbling has been added to the schedule of events and all winners from 2019 will be granted free entry as defending champions.” Local and regional residents, from volunteers, sponsors and musicians are encouraged to message via the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page if they want to get involved.