General News
29 January, 2022
Machinery Field Day cancellation felt by Horsham businesses
Horsham businesses discuss the impact of the Machinery Field Day cancellation.
HORSHAM businesses have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days event.
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee announced on January 26 that the 59th Annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days were cancelled due to the community risk of COVID-19.
Horsham Mid-City Hotel owner Sukhjinder Singh said this year’s event would have been a big opportunity to make up for losses during COVID-19 lockdowns.
“We were booked out the week of the Field Days and now everyone’s had to cancel,” he said.
“The worst thing is we’re still trying to recover from the COVID-19 lockdowns and this was something that was going to help us get busy again … fill that gap that was there.
“It’s not only accommodation; it’s pubs, clubs, and restaurants excetera … you would get people coming in, spending a few days in town and spending their money in local businesses.
“I think the cancellation was a big blow to the economy of the town, overall.”
The cancellation comes following weeks of coordination between community groups across the Wimmera, exhibitors and local healthcare providers.
Wimmera Outdoors, SportsPower Horsham, Surf One Horsham owner and managing director Gary Jelly said he believed retailers will be at a loss.
“I don’t doubt the cancellation of the Field Days is going to hurt the town and I’m disappointed for our region,” he said.
“It’s definitely going to affect us retailers.
“It brings people into town and local businesses get a fair bit out of it.
“It’s a shame it’s not going ahead but I suppose that’s the way things are with COVID-19.”
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Mr Jelly has been a past supporter and supplier of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days and believes people should still continue to support the event in future instalments.
Mr Singh said suppliers of the Field Days were equally frustrated with the turn of events early in the week.
“I’ve found many people that had booked to stay with us are not very happy,” he said.
“I was talking to some of the Field Day suppliers over the phone and they expressed their frustration.
“They were excited to come over and made plans, and we were ready to welcome them.
“They’re looking forward to the next event, but it’s still unpredictable at this point.”