Goulburn Show Society hosts free drought event to bring cheer

The charitable organisation is hosting a free barbecue for primary producers, complete with prizes, live music and a jumping castle on Saturday at the Recreation Area.

Then there's the 'Bust the Dust' rain dance. Local musician Jamie Agius will rouse the crowd at 1.30pm and get toes tapping in the hope the heavens open up.

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"It's something a bit different," AP&H Society president Jacki Waugh said.

Out west, Saint John's Parish School is doing a simultaneous raindance on Friday, December 13. It started with a Facebook post to involve 13 schools in the archdiocese but then went 'viral.' Now 600 schools across Australia are taking part.

Saturday's Goulburn dance may not be as large but the idea's the same.

"We want to raise people's spirits, not money," Mrs Waugh said.

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"If people can come off the farm for an afternoon and just turn off and talk to a few people, that's great. The drought is affecting everyone, even the Show Society. We won't be able to put on as many displays because people aren't growing as much."

The Society secured $1000 in grant funding to host the free event. Service providers such as Local Land Services, NSW Health and the rural financial counsellor will host information stalls. Hume MP Angus Taylor will speak about federal assistance and Mayor Bob Kirk will talk about the Mayoral Emergency Relief Fund.

The Salvation Army and local organisation, Doing it for the Farmers has donated food hampers as prizes for the day.

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In 2018, the Show Society also held a drought fundraiser at the Rec Area, raising $12,000 for drought relief.

"We try to do something every year to help out," Mrs Waugh said.

The barbecue starts at 12 noon and runs until 2pm. Entry is via gate three at the Goulburn Recreation Area on Braidwood Road.

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