Country shows are back on and the first country show is expected to be held in early January after approval from NSW Health that it was confident the events could be made COVID-19 safe.
And talks are underway between the NSW Government and the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) on how Sydney Royal could proceed next year after this year's event was cancelled.
The first country show run by the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) of NSW is expected to be held at Bowral on January 9, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced. That show will be closely followed by the Kiama Show.
It is almost six months since the NSW Government first indicated that shows could proceed - but no shows were able to meet the COVID safety plans, with demands on volunteer staff and a four-square-metre social distancing rule proving difficult to maintain.
The Land can reveal NSW Health has finally given the green light that means up to 5000 people can attend a country show - with the proviso that there are COVID marshalls and contact tracing in place.
ASC president Tim Capp said he was 'over the moon' that country shows could proceed from the start of 2021. "It's fantastic for regional shows that they can start planning for a COVID-safe way ahead in 2021," Mr Capp said.
"But I think they will be a lot different to the past," he said. He expected that events would be held over a longer period - a situation some show societies may have to confront with leasing areas.
Also he said the shows would be more spread out - which was entirely feasible given the expansive nature of country showgrounds. He was in discussion with the Showman's Guild next week to make sure sideshows would be part of the show experience.
"The showies have been operating in a COVID safe way in Queensland, so I can't see why they couldn't do the same here," he said.
"Fortunately we are in a position where we can operate in a large area, so that gives us room to meet COVID restrictions." Show societies would be supported to find COVID marshalls required in many areas of the showground.
He was hopeful that the final of The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition, suspended this year, would be held next year, possibly at Sydney Royal, and if not, definitely in another part of NSW.
"We will be bringing the 2020 showgirl competition to its rightful finale one way or the other," he said.
Mr Barilaro said work was underway to ensure COVID-safe measures were in place to allow up to 5000 people at any given time to attend shows in the new calendar year.
"This is really exciting news for people living in the bush as country shows play a vital role in the agriculture sector and inject money into local economies," Mr Barilaro said.
"Country shows are a highlight of the regional events calendar and are a great day out. Shows boost business, give an opportunity for farmers to showcase their produce and lift community spirit.
"The NSW Government is dedicated to making country shows the hallmark of the regional events calendar while providing stimulus for regional towns, having committed over $35 million for community showground upgrades, supporting over 1300 jobs.
"Regional communities have done the hard work and deserve to enjoy themselves but it is crucial that both organisers and attendees follow COVIDsafe guidelines as the last thing we want is an outbreak in country towns.
"I fully encourage everyone from the city to get out there and immerse yourself in a country show and get a valuable insight into life in the bush."
Safety measures will include social distancing at venues, controlled access at entry points to minimise crowding, a limit to the number of attendees depending on venue size and a one person per 4 square metre rule.
Organisers are encouraged to use the Service NSW COVIDSafe QR codes to enable safe management of crowd numbers and enable contact tracing.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said getting country shows back up and running will be a massive boost to morale in the bush.
"Shows bring together all the best things about regional communities - and after a tough year dealing with the impacts of bushfires, drought and COVID-19, bringing communities together has never been more important," Mr Toole said.
"We're keen to see visitors share in the fun and I know country shows look forward to receiving attendees with open arms, but it's essential we all do our bit to remain COVIDsafe.
"Both locals and tourists planning to attend a country show will be reminded to self-monitor for symptoms and if feeling even slightly unwell or awaiting a test result, asked to postpone or cancel their plans."
The NSW Government is working with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to explore options for the 2021 Royal Easter Show.
Guidelines and checklists for country shows will be availble online at www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.
Mr Capp said the green light for shows would also boost other events often held in conjunction in the same area.
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
