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Maffra Agricultural Society awarded $9,559 for infrastructure upgrades to improve showgrounds and community engagement

The Maffra and District Agricultural Society receives $9,559 to upgrade infrastructure, including stormwater, skylights, and bird proofing, as part of the Allan Labor government's $300,000 Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program.

By news@gippsland - 18th December 2024 - Back to News

Agricultural and Pastoral Societies are upgrading their facilities and increasing community engagement to run the state's iconic regional show program thanks to the Allan Labor government's backing of regional Victoria. Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that the Maffra and District Agricultural Society is among the agricultural and pastoral societies given funds to support improvements to showground amenities and essential infrastructure upgrades.

Agricultural and Pastoral Societies, including Maffra, receive grants to improve facilities and community engagement, with $9,559 for upgrades

Agricultural show grants

The society is receiving $9,559 for works to replace its guttering and the down pipes to the storm water, fix broken skylights, and bird proof the Poultry Pavilion. The society is one of 34 Agricultural and Pastoral Societies to be given grants from the Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program totalling $300,000.

Earlier this year, eligible societies applied for grants of up to $10,000 towards infrastructure development and other business activities to celebrate Victoria's agricultural communities, industry and produce. To learn more about the Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program, visit Agriculture Victoria website. To view the full 2024/25 Victorian Show Calendar visit Victorian Agricultural Shows website.

Regional agricultural events

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said, "The Agricultural and Pastoral Society grant program is all about empowering the organisations that know their regions best to showcase the very best of their region."

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "Local ag shows are huge for our regions. This support will help the Maffra Ag Society continue to hold a show which is a local drawcard for many years to come."

Poultry pavilion upgrades

Maffra and District Agricultural Society Secretary Michael Coggan said, "The Ag Society plans to use the funding to update & upgrade the poultry pavilion with new stormwater and guttering, replacement skylights and works to try to bird proof the facility."

"The poultry section of our show has a huge following and these works will improve patrons' experience while completing some long overdue maintenance. With the constant threat of a virulent bird flu virus on our doorstep we thought it was appropriate to try to keep the sparrows, starlings and Indian Mynas out of the Facility. The Ag Society is very appreciative of this funding and welcomes the opportunity to improve our facilities," Mr McIntosh said.

Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• East Gippsland celebrates connection, creativity, and community with 2025 month-long Seniors Festival program
  East Gippsland Shire Council presents the 2025 Seniors Festival, offering over 60 free and low-cost events celebrating connection, creativity, wellbeing, and community for older residents throughout October.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
  Melina Bath backs local organisations to apply for grants supporting veterans, with funding available for facility upgrades and restoring community war memorials. Applications close 3 February 2026.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
  East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.
• Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
  Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
• Mallacoota Skate Park Competition returns November 8, promising community fun, BMX, skateboarding, and prizes
  Mallacoota Skate Park Competition on 8 November 2025 will feature BMX and skateboarding contests, learn-to-skate sessions, prizes, music, and food, celebrating community, inclusivity, and active recreation for all ages.
• East Gippsland Council advances regional projects, improving facilities, accessibility, resilience and growth
  East Gippsland Council is delivering major regional projects, upgrades, improving accessibility, supporting resilience, and enhancing infrastructure across towns including Bairnsdale, Buchan, Mallacoota, Cann River, and Paynesville.
• East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
  East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025.
• Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
  Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards.
• GPAC’s Summer Nights series brings free outdoor movies and family fun to Gippsland community on 13, 14, 21 February and 20 March 2026
  GPAC’s Summer Nights brought families together with free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and food trucks, drawing strong community attendance and extending the series due to popular demand in Gippsland.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
  Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors.