The Royal Melbourne Show may be COVID’S latest casualty, but you can still support regional businesses
More than 580 agricultural shows including 11 key Royal Shows take place across Australia each year. Unfortunately, most were cancelled this year due to COVID-19. Victoria’s largest showcase of agriculture, the Royal Melbourne Show, was cancelled for the third time in its 165-year history.
Retro Shows
Any show-going kid will tell you the fondness they have for their annual ride-filled showbag-frenzied day out. Sadly, the animal parades, craft and cookery contests, agricultural demonstrations and amusement rides are on pause for 2020.
“I used to love going to the show every year. Growing up in regional Australia, it was a highlight of the year. the show too. But alas no more” said our very own Chrissy Symeonakis who was crowned Miss Renmark Junior Show Girl, of her town in 1995 as you can see pictured here!!
The cancellation of these shows has caused widespread repercussions beyond disappointed children. Counting the exhibitors, suppliers and contractors, there are over a thousand businesses involved in the Royal Melbourne Show.
You’ve heard of the man behind the curtain now meet the woman behind the showbags
To further understand the economic and social consequences of these measures, we sat down with Emily Williams from the Showbags Shop. Emily’s family owned operation has been involved with the Royal Melbourne Show for the last 20 years.
Q. How have businesses involved with the Royal Melbourne Show been affected by the cancellation?
“The Melbourne Show is one of the largest events in Australia, and certainly the largest in Victoria. For many, it is one of the few opportunities to showcase their products and earn an income. Those businesses are needing to either shut down entirely or completely pivot their business activity to survive.”
Q. How soon in advance do businesses plan for such a huge event?
“Businesses plan 6-12months in advance for an event like the Melbourne Show.”
Q. When was the decision made to cancel the 2020 Show?
“The Show was officially cancelled in May 2020.”
Q. How can people support businesses or individuals who have been impacted by the Royal Melbourne Show’s cancellation?
“By following their upcoming virtual Show experiences on the Royal Melbourne Show website. There will be links to where you can still buy products and support businesses, like our business at www.ShowbagShop.com.au.”
Q. Do you think COVID will have an impact on next year’s show?
“It’s hard to say. There is so much uncertainty, as with everything in 2020. The effect of COVID-19 on the 2021 Show will be dependent on case numbers, whether social distancing is still the ‘norm’, the on-going economic impact of the lockdowns, and general public’s fear around gathering on mass.”
Q. Has the government stepped in to support the businesses involved with the Royal Melbourne Show?
“Some businesses have been able to access JobKeeper, however, there does need to be more industry specific support for businesses that are involved in mass gatherings, as there is no road map to ‘return to normal’ for businesses like ours.”
Q. How have you pivoted your business during this time?
“Our business has fortunately been able to pivot – we are now selling our full range of showbags online. We have become solely an online store, with a pick and pack warehouse. It has been a steep learning curve, but it has enabled us to keep our doors open and our staff employed through 2020.”
Q. Has the COVID crisis taught you anything positive about trade/business/life in general?
“The pandemic has taught us to be grateful for the good times, and take nothing for granted as things can change at any time. We want to use 2020 to re-group and refresh. We feel that business has changed forever and we need to jump on these changes. In general life, we’ve appreciated the slow down. My husband and I lead an extremely busy life running a small business that involves a lot of time running large events and travel. So, we are making the most of 2020 to slow down and spend more time with our young family.”
The ‘Bertie Beetle Showbag’ – one of the most popular showbags ever made
If you love the Show and are disappointed by this year’s cancellations, why not join the 2020 ‘Celebrating the Show Online’ campaign. From 19-29 September, the Royal Melbourne Show’s social media and digital platforms and will include themed days, profiles of farmers and agricultural experts, live farm-cam, videos, competitions, memorable moments from past Shows and more.
Are you missing your regional Show this year? Tell us your favourite Show memories in the comments below.