Racing Victoria Off The Track Equine Business Grants

New Business Grant Boosts Support for Retired Racehorses

Racing Victoria (RV) has today announced new support for Victorian businesses, including horse/trail riding services, equine colleges, equine therapy centres and pony clubs, to bolster the opportunities afforded horses’ that have retired from the Victorian racing industry.

A new $10,000 business grant for Victorian equine-related businesses will help boost their operations, with the sole objective of growing the number of off-the-track thoroughbreds being utilised by these organisations.

The Off The Track Business Grant Program is expected to help stimulate businesses to accommodate more horses, including those currently operating with thoroughbreds or looking to take them on for the first time.

The program contains four key initiatives, including increasing the number of retired thoroughbreds an equine business can utilise; increasing the breadth of career options for non-competitive thoroughbreds; providing longevity to thoroughbreds in their post-racing career; and encouraging an equine business (which may currently utilise other breeds) to incorporate thoroughbreds into their operation on a sustainable basis.

Both for-profit and not-for-profit businesses are eligible to apply for the grant, and must submit their application before 5pm (AEST) on April 9, 2021 via the programs SmartyGrants page.

Building on the positive progress of RV’s current post-racing initiatives, this program recognises the importance of growing the demand for thoroughbreds beyond the equestrian community to maximise the opportunities afforded every retired racehorse.

This grant becomes even more important in the current climate, where the COVID-19 pandemic continues to suppress economic activity, and may do for a considerable period into the future.

The Off The Track Business Grant Program will complement the various post-racing initiatives RV has introduced over the past 12 months, including the RESET Program, Retrainer Capacity Expansion Grant Program, COVID-19 relief support scheme for RV Acknowledged Retrainers, and partnerships with organisations such as Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria to help improve the post-racing wellbeing of racehorses in Victoria.

For more information on the Off The Track Business Grant Program, including application criteria, visit: racingvictoria.com.au/grants

Quotes attributed to RV General Manager, Equine Welfare, Jennifer Hughes:

“I’m really excited to see the Off The Track Business Grant Program open to Victorian businesses.

“It’s another important step to help expand our post-racing options available to retired racehorses.

“We know that like any horse, not all former gallopers are suited to the equestrian world, so this opens the door for more thoroughbreds to explore non-competitive options post-racing.

“The program also provides us the opportunity to work with operators we traditionally haven’t considered as a pathway for off-the-track horses and further demonstrate the versatility of thoroughbreds.

“We hope to support and incentivise those businesses that are either looking to increase the number of thoroughbreds they currently have or for those considering the breed for the first time.

“Ultimately, our aim is to see this program drive long-term demand for thoroughbreds post-racing and support the growth of equine businesses operating in Victoria.”

ENDS.

VAS Ltd March Newsletter

Click below to view the March Newsletter

International Women's Day

Today on International Women's Day we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

We celebrate the continuous contribution and successes in the Agricultural industry but also in the Agricultural Shows Movement!

Save the Date - 2021 VAS Ltd Convention

We are excited to announce that plans are underway for the 2021 VAS Ltd Convention being held on the 25th & 26th June in Bendigo at the All Seasons Resort/Hotel.

In Victoria this is our largest gathering of Victorian Agricultural Show delegates for the year and a great weekend to network and take ideas back to your Show Society. The convention also features the State Final competitions of the Junior Show Ambassador, Carrot Cake and Carrot & Date Muffins.

Timetable & Registration Forms will be available soon.

Advertising Options for Suppliers/Entertainers

After seeing all 2020 Spring Agricultural Shows/Field Days cancel due to COVID-19 the industry is hoping we can get our 2021 Show Season underway. VAS Ltd also wants to support Suppliers/Entertainers and promote you to our members as we are aware of what a tough year it has been.

VAS Ltd is delighted to offer you a range of advertising options to promote your business to all Victorian Show Societies. Packages are available at a discounted price if you would like to choose multiple advertising options. If payment is not made before the deadline the ad will not be published.

Show Cancellations/Adjustments as of 11/01/2021

Please click below to download the PDF List of Autumn Show Cancellations/Adjustments to the running of Shows.

Merry Christmas!

On behalf of the VAS Ltd Board of Directors and Staff I wish you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Please note that the VAS Ltd Office will be closed from Wednesday 23rd December 2020 until Monday 11th January 2021. Phone message service & emails will be monitored and answered as necessary during this period.

Lets hope 2021 is a much better year for Victorian Shows & Field Days!

Rod Bowles - VAS Ltd Executive Officer

VAS Ltd - 2020 December Newsletter

The December 2020 Newsletter is now available! Make sure you have a read!

Click here to view the December 2020 Newsletter

Supporting Agricultural Shows & Field Days Program Successful Applicants

Christmas comes early for agricultural shows and field days

Shows and field days cancelled because of COVID-19 are about to get a slice of $34 million Australian Government funding to ensure they can bounce back in 2021.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the first payments under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will roll out before Christmas.

“Two months ago, I launched this significant package to reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of COVID-19,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Today I am pleased to announce that 378 shows and field days have been approved for funding and will receive almost $34 million to help ease cash-flow pressures.

“For some shows, this comes on top of support already received through the Australian Government’s $20 million Agricultural Show Development Grants program to upgrade, maintain or build new infrastructure.

“This funding supports hundreds of our regional and remote country shows and field days held throughout Australia, as well as the big Royal Shows. 

“The Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021 and beyond.

“These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city. They also help farmers stay competitive by providing an opportunity to share innovation and new ways of doing business.

“They are uniquely Australian and provide huge economic spin-offs for the local communities hosting them as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.”

Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia Dr Rob Wilson said show societies forced to cancel in 2020 were positive about hosting again next year.

“This Australian Government support has helped provide certainty and a renewed sense of optimism ahead of 2021 after a difficult year for everyone, especially our 50,000 volunteers,” Dr Wilson said.

“With some states already giving the go-ahead to shows next year, subject to COVID conditions being met, this funding will ensure hundreds of societies can start planning now.”

Secretary of the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia Wendy Franklin welcomed the fast turnaround of applicants’ approvals.

“Getting this money out the door is going to be a fantastic Christmas present for many of our event organisers,” Mrs Franklin said.

“Even if it’s to help cover costs such as rates, insurance and telecommunications, this support will go a long way towards ensuring next year we can bounce back bigger and better.”

For more information click onto the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program webpage here.

Fast Facts

• Agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to the economy each year but rely largely on financial assistance from supporters and attendees.

• There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide, which attract six million visitors and are serviced by 50,000 volunteers.

• The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program funding is being provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund for regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

• Successful applicants are eligible to claim reimbursements on costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.

• The program is part of a broader $60 million agricultural support package that includes the $20 million Regional Agricultural Shows Development program.

2020-21 Agricultural & Pastoral Society Grants OPEN!

Please click on the link to view the guidelines https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/.../agricultural-and...

In 2020–21 the Victorian Government will make $300,000 available to registered Agricultural and Pastoral Societies to support infrastructure development and business activities that celebrate Victoria’s agricultural communities, industry and produce.

In recognition of the adverse financial impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) the 2020–21 grant funding guidelines have been amended to allow for up to 90 per cent of the total cost of the project to be funded through the program, with applicants required to fund up to 10 per cent of the total project cost. Applicants may provide all of that 10% as an in-kind contribution.

Grants of up to $10,000 per society will be awarded to promote activities such as:

🔵 the development or upgrade of facilities and amenities at showgrounds

🔵 improvements to business activities including the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS)

🔵 innovative use of technology to encourage remote community participation in agricultural show activities and general calendar events

🔵 enhance public safety of the community attending events including measures that will enable events that may occur during 2021 to proceed safely in alignment with Victorian Government community event guidelines at the time of the event.