Hindmarsh Shire Residents to Observe Melbourne Cup Day 2020

Published on 06 July 2020

In recent years Hindmarsh Shire Council has requested substitute public holidays for Nhill and Rainbow districts to enable residents to support their respective annual agricultural shows.

Due to the likelihood of all agricultural shows within Hindmarsh Shire being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hindmarsh Shire Council 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.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rob Gersch said “It is disappointing for our A&P Society committees and local communities that their annual agricultural shows have been or are likely to be cancelled for 2020.”

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

Cr Gersch said, “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”.

“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” added Cr Gersch.

“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” said Cr Gersch.

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.

Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer