Agricultural societies across the region will receive thousands of dollars in state government grants to improve their facilities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo Agricultural Show Society will benefit from $3000 in funding to purchase a new pressure washer, which will ensure biosecurity at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds.
Executive officer Ian Furze said it was important pavilions were thoroughly cleaned after livestock events, to prevent the spread of diseases and the like between different animals and different breeds.
Mr Furze said the society already had pressure wash hoses and they had been sufficient, but going forward they wanted to make sure they could clean to a higher standard.
More than $7000 has been granted to the Heathcote A P and H Society to purchase its own yard dog gates and panels.
More local news: Farm rates hikes on VFF's agenda
Robyn Donovan said yard dog trials were held at the Heathcote Show in November and the society had previously borrowed equipment from farmers in the area, occasionally hiring pieces when necessary.
Having their own would be more time-efficient, Mrs Donovan said, as members would not have to go out to collect items.
She said the equipment would also allow for more yard dog trials to be held at the showgrounds.
Meanwhile, the Rochester Agricultural and Pastoral Society will receive two grants worth almost $6400 in total.
More local news: Heritage Victoria green-lights Hargreaves Mall hotel
Heather Watson said one of the grants would upgrade the homecraft pavilion, including the installation of new LED lighting and new cookery display cabinets.
Mrs Watson said the cabinets were more than 30 years old and had been through the floods, so were a bit worn.
Some of the funding will also provide permanent horse holding enclosures, which will allow visitors travelling longer distances for equine events the ability to stay overnight.
A grant of $10,000 will go to the Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Society for sheep yards, the Charlton Agricultural and Pastoral Society will receive a little over $6000 to replace craft and cake display cabinets, while the Donald Agricultural and Pastoral Society will purchase flooring to upgrade its shearing shed with $1282.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
