Sykes urges Horse Associations to apply for EI support
Horse associations which voluntarily cancelled events due to the Equine Influenza threat have been urged to apply for grants to recover costs and lost profits, by local MP and Veterinarian Bill Sykes.
Dr Sykes said not-for-profit, non-racing groups such as pony clubs, adult riding clubs, dressage and show jumping clubs, agriculture societies, breed societies and sports horse groups were eligible for a grant.
“Many groups across the Benalla Electorate cancelled their events because of the fear of the spread of EI and these grants give them an avenue to recoup some of the expenses outlaid in organising the event, as well as any lost profits,” he said.
“Country shows are an example of one area which has suffered because the EI threat.
“They’re a major event for country towns, so many of them chose to go ahead with their shows but without the planned horse events. In cancelling horse events, agricultural and show societies have borne significants costs and losses in profit, profit which would ordinarily put to the cost of next year’s event.
“The information I have is that societies in this situation are eligible for this grant and I would encourage them to apply,” Dr Sykes said.
“Some examples of the expenses groups can claim are engraved trophies, printed ribbons and schedules, and venue deposits. Groups can also seek compensation for lost potential profit, such as through gate fees, raffles and entry fees.”
Dr Sykes said cancelled events must have been advertised and scheduled for between 1 September and 31 October. Groups which postponed rather than cancelled their events are ineligible for the funding.
“I am pleased the Government has recognised that despite remaining EI-free, many of Victoria’s horse associations have been adversely affected through voluntarily cancelling their events, and it has agreed to help these associations through this grants scheme.”
The Department of Primary Industries is urging groups which choose to continue with their events or rallies to observe strict bio-security guidelines and register their events on the DPI website.
More information and copies of the grant’s guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au or from Dr Sykes’ Electorate Office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla ph 5762 2100.
Dr Sykes said not-for-profit, non-racing groups such as pony clubs, adult riding clubs, dressage and show jumping clubs, agriculture societies, breed societies and sports horse groups were eligible for a grant.
“Many groups across the Benalla Electorate cancelled their events because of the fear of the spread of EI and these grants give them an avenue to recoup some of the expenses outlaid in organising the event, as well as any lost profits,” he said.
“Country shows are an example of one area which has suffered because the EI threat.
“They’re a major event for country towns, so many of them chose to go ahead with their shows but without the planned horse events. In cancelling horse events, agricultural and show societies have borne significants costs and losses in profit, profit which would ordinarily put to the cost of next year’s event.
“The information I have is that societies in this situation are eligible for this grant and I would encourage them to apply,” Dr Sykes said.
“Some examples of the expenses groups can claim are engraved trophies, printed ribbons and schedules, and venue deposits. Groups can also seek compensation for lost potential profit, such as through gate fees, raffles and entry fees.”
Dr Sykes said cancelled events must have been advertised and scheduled for between 1 September and 31 October. Groups which postponed rather than cancelled their events are ineligible for the funding.
“I am pleased the Government has recognised that despite remaining EI-free, many of Victoria’s horse associations have been adversely affected through voluntarily cancelling their events, and it has agreed to help these associations through this grants scheme.”
The Department of Primary Industries is urging groups which choose to continue with their events or rallies to observe strict bio-security guidelines and register their events on the DPI website.
More information and copies of the grant’s guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au or from Dr Sykes’ Electorate Office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla ph 5762 2100.
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