When the Australian Sheep and Wool Show was called off on July 15, owner Glen Rankin expected to lose around $18,000 after purchasing food and supplies for the weekend.

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"We've been catering for the ASWS since its inception, which has become the largest event in the calendar year for me," he said.

"When the lockdown was announced on the Thursday evening prior to commencing the following morning, I was gutted, shocked, emotional and angry. Not knowing what to do going forward.

"I had gone from expecting the next two days to be filled with serving breakfasts, morning teas, lunches, afternoon teas and evening dinners to the hundreds of exhibitors and patrons at the show from all over Australia to absolutely nothing.

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"What a difference 48 hours can make."

Friends and family took to social media to help the catering company make use of all the food that had been ordered and prepared.

Mr Rankin said the lines were off the hook with orders and well wishes.

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"I cannot thank everyone enough for the overwhelming support for ordering meals and their kind wishes," he said.

"I must also thank and apologise to the many who could not get through on the phone with orders. I can only say how humbled I was with the support received.

"This was never about making money, but trying to recoup some of the outlay, which would be the difference between surviving or closing down.

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"A special thank you to my staff for their unbelievable support, my family - nieces, sisters, mother, extended family and many friends."

Mr Rankin has joined the organisers and other businesses who have lost out financially due to the event's cancellation.

ASWS chief executive Margot Falconer said the decision had led to the loss of almost $480,000.

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