At its meeting on Tuesday, September 28 the council voted unanimously to make the contribution from the Community Facilitation Fund to local show societies.

"Agricultural shows are an integral part of Australian culture and the most authentic and accessible display of Australian farming and regional life," Cabonne mayor Kevin Beatty said in a mayoral minute tabled at the meeting.

Cabonne Shire hosts seven agricultural shows during the year in Cumnock, Yeoval, Manildra, Cudal, Eugowra, Molong and Canowindra.

"Council will recall that in 2019 while our region was experiencing extreme drought conditions a donation from the Community Facilitation Fund was made to our Show Societies to compensate for their lack of gate takings for the year," Cr Beatty said.

All shows have again been cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.

"Our local agriculture shows are once again suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic with this being the second year some of them have had to cancel their events," Cr Beatty said.

"Agricultural Society Council of NSW are encouraging local show society to hold alternative 'no show' events and competitions such as scarecrow building, colouring-in and art competitions.

"Events such as these are currently being held throughout the shire.

"It is suggested that council donate an amount of $1,000 to each of the seven Show Societies in Cabonne for use as prize money and associated costs involved in holding these alternate events as an acknowledgement of the tireless work of show committee volunteers and their ability to adapt to conditions for the benefit of the community."

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