Numurkah’s Show Day holiday is likely to return in 2010 following representations last year by The Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper.

Mr Jasper said he made extensive representations, supported by Moira Shire, to the State Government and to Education Minister, Bronwyn Pike last year, seeking a solution to changes to the Public Holiday Act, which prevented the Shire declaring a public holiday for Numurkah and surrounding areas in support of the Numurkah Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show.

The Numurkah Society, which holds its annual show mid-week, was particularly disadvantaged by changes to the Act in 2008, which enshrined a Melbourne Cup Day holiday across Victoria, but prevented municipalities allocating separate show and race day holidays in individual communities as an alternative to the Cup Day holiday, he said.

Whilst Numurkah acknowledged it would be impractical to expect other centres within the Shire, such as Yarrawonga, Cobram, Tungamah or Nathalia, to observe a public holiday for its show day, it is vitally important local school children and business people can attend their local show, Mr Jasper said.

School principals indicated they wanted to support their local show, believing it to be a great learning experience for their students, he added.

I have now received confirmation from the office of Small Business Minister, Joe Helper, that, following a meeting with regional municipalities late last year, they have called submissions from councils on the practicalities of splitting the public holiday to cater for major events in separate centres within their shire boundaries, without creating confusion for business and industry.

Submissions will be considered in March and I’ve been advised that further amendment to the legislation may not be required to allow the splitting of the public holiday within single municipalities, Mr Jasper said.

Expressing disappointment at the lack of a positive response from the Government to representations on this issue in time for last year’s Numurkah Show, he said the move to allow individual show and race day holidays across local municipalities in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day was a win for commonsense.

The severe dry and drought conditions over a prolonged period, the economic downturn and rural poverty generally have highlighted the importance of the local show as an important morale booster for the community, Mr Jasper said.

October is show month in Murray Valley, with shows at Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, Numurkah and Cobram, and I’ve rarely missed attending one of these events during my time as the Member for Murray Valley/

A fun day out for the entire family, the show is also an inclusive event, with everyone, young and old, invited to enter the competitions and exhibit their particular skills.

Recognising the original pointless decision was totally out-of-touch with local communities and would cost many local agricultural societies and country racing clubs both customers and much needed dollars, the Liberal Nationals Coalition had announced that, if elected to Government, it would amend the legislation to allow for split public holidays within municipalities, he said.

The move by the Government to reconsider this issue finally recognises the anger and confusion the original ill conceived and misguided decision created, particularly for country Victoria, highlighted by the hundreds of signatures on protest petitions.