The Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday will be observed across the whole Hindmarsh Shire area this year, unlike previous years where the Nhill and Rainbow communities have had holidays for their shows.

Hindmarsh Shire Council usually seeks substitute public holidays for the Nhill and Rainbow districts to assist these communities in supporting their respective annual agricultural shows.

Due to the likelihood of all agricultural shows within Hindmarsh Shire being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council have announced that they will not apply for localised public holidays as substitute days for the 2020 Melbourne Cup public holiday. Consequently, all Hindmarsh residents will observe the 2020 Melbourne Cup public holiday on Tuesday 3rd November.

It was announced last month that the 2020 Dimboola Show would not go ahead.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rob Gersch said that it is disappointing for our communities and show committees that this years shows have either been cancelled or are unlikely to go ahead.

“To avoid confusion amongst residents it has been decided that all towns within Hindmarsh Shire will observe the Melbourne Cup public holiday in 2020.

“As the Rainbow and Nhill annual agricultural shows have been held on a Tuesday and Thursday respectively, Council has supported the need for public holidays in those districts to enable residents to support their shows.”

This is not the only change to local calendars due to the COVID-19 situation. Many other events right across the region have unfortunately been postponed or cancelled.

“Unfortunately the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many cancellations of sporting and community events and changes within our communities. Like a lot of one off events, agricultural shows just don’t happen; they take a lot of planning and preparation leading up to show day,” Cr Gersch said.

“Annual agricultural shows provide an opportunity for the entire community to come together to acknowledge and celebrate agriculture, to showcase food, produce, arts, crafts and to be entertained.

“Shows provide a day out for all residents irrespective of age to socialise and is often a day when families get together to enjoy a day out,” Cr Gersch said.

He also said that Council has been liaising with each of the local agricultural societies and looks forward to being able to assist them in ensuring agricultural shows return in 2021.