Free Melbourne Royal Show entry for kids

(Unsplash/israel palacio)

Kids under the age of 14, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, will receive free entry into the Royal Melbourne Show, the state government has announced.

As the Melbourne Royal Show returns for the first time in two years, agriculture minister Gayle Tierney on Thursday announced $3.5 million in funding would be provided to Agriculutral and Pastoral Socities hosting show’s this year, to cover the cost of free entry at more than 100 rural and regional shows across the state.

“It’s great to have the event back on the calendar and to know kids will go free and experience all the show has to offer,” Ms Tierney said.

“Agricultural shows are a fixture of Australian society and the Melbourne Royal Show is an institution.”

The show is one of the state’s largest and annual community events, contributes $244 million annually to Victoria’s economy and in previous years has attracted up to 460,000 visitors.

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with the Melbourne Royal Show organisers to ensure biosecurity measurers are in place, including livestock movement ahead of this year’s event, which runs from Thursday September 22.

Details: royalshow.com.au.