Societies in Ararat, Boort, Dimboola, Donald, Edenhope, Goroke, Horsham, Minyip, Natimuk, Nhill and Rainbow shared in a total of $265,830 awarded under the Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program this financial year.

Boort A and P Society received $10,000 to upgrade its pavilion.

Dimboola A and P Society received $9714 to improve access to public entry doors and install new windows in the main pavilion.

Edenhope P and A Society will replace its sheep holding shed with a $9548 grant.

Electrical infrastructure at Rainbow A and P Society’s showground will receive $8055.

Natimuk A and P Society has $7334 for new poultry cages.

Minyip A and P Society received $5123 to upgrade toilets.

Donald District Pastoral and Agricultural Society will buy 15 tables and safety equipment with its $4600 grant.

Goroke A and P Society will update fuse boxes and install lighting with a $3267 grant.

Nhill A and P Society has $3200 to buy a shipping container to house sensitive equipment.

Ararat Show Society received $922 to improve safety measures.

Horsham Agricultural Society will upgrade historic cabinetry in its home industries pavilion using a $2843 grant.

Horsham Agricultural Society Ladies Auxiliary president Lorraine Baudinette said the upgrade was long overdue.

“It’s a very old building, we don’t know exactly how old,” she said.

“On the outside, on the west side, we have metal framed doors that we lift up when all the goods are finished being judged and ready to be shown.

“They are wire-covered and not very attractive, or easy to use.”

Glass cabinets will replace the antiquated display area.

Mrs Baudinette said the upgrade should be finished in time for this year’s show.

She hoped for further money to fix more of the ageing structure.

“If you walk into a building that’s fairly attractive, it makes a big difference to how people see the show,” she said.