By Mikayla van Loon
Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society is one of 46 societies in Victoria to receive funding to update and improve facilities after not being able to run last year.
Agriculture minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced on 28 April that nearly $300,000 would be made available to societies in grants of up to $10,000.
“Agricultural and Pastoral Societies play a crucial role for many regional communities, hosting events ranging from the annual shows to markets, dances, touring entertainment and more,” Ms Thomas said.
“These grants will provide an opportunity for many Victorian Agricultural and Pastoral Societies to improve their facilities, which will benefit the whole community.”
Lilydale society president Paul Tripp said the $7,732 grant will go towards the plumbing, electrical and sewage of a new toilet block.
“The council donated an old toilet block that was in the park, so [the grant is] going to help us connect up the sewer,” he said.
Usually at the annual Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society Show, port-a-loos would be hired for patrons.
“It means that we don’t have to hire toilet blocks for the show, so it’s going to be a bit of a saving for us eventually.”
Mr Tripp said it will be a nicer experience for people to use the toilet block rather than port-a-loos.
As the tenth biggest show in Victoria, the Lilydale society received substantial funding from the Australian Department of Agriculture in its Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program last year.
Mr Tripp said the grant of $70,000 helped keep the society afloat and allowed them to cover many of their expenses after the Lilydale show could not go ahead last year.
“It was just a part of the times. Everything was cancelled, so it was a bit upsetting but we just had to cope with it,” he said.
When asked about what he is most looking forward to about this year’s show, Mr Tripp said being able to put the show on for the community.
“I hope the community can get back out there and enjoy the show.”
