With the current cost of living and housing crises impacting many households, attending the Royal Adelaide Show, which runs from 2-10 September, is likely to be the last thing on many families’ minds right now.

To help, Lutheran Care is sharing top tips from its Financial Wellbeing team, to help South Australian families attending this year’s event keep costs down as much as possible. We were also thrilled to be able to share free show passes with families doing it tough last week, thanks to the Royal Adelaide Show organisers. (We hope all the recipients have a wonderful time at the show!)

Kelly Hughes is Operations Manager for Lutheran Care’s Financial Wellbeing programs, and a registered Financial Counsellor. Ms Hughes’ top tips for a more affordable day at the show are: 

Before hand: 

• Pre-purchase your show tickets and go midweek or in the evening for the cheapest price. Make sure to bring your concession card! RAA members get 20 per cent off tickets, too. 

• Get the Show Magazine to plan your day and look for special coupons and vouchers for rides and showbags. 

Transport: 

• Parking around the Wayville Showgrounds can be expensive, so think about taking public transport. A bus, train or tram will all get you there – SA Seniors Card holders travel free! 

Eating/Drinking: 

• Pack a picnic or head to the Red Dove Café or South Australian Country Women’s Association (SACWA) Country Café for an affordable tasty treat.  
• Bring a water bottle and fill it at one of the drink fountains. 

 Showbags: 

• Use the Showbag Guide in The Advertiser or online to plan your spending. Set a budget and stick to it! 

 Activities: 

• Enjoy the abundance of free activities and entertainment at the show – check out the exhibits, pat the animals and cheer on the wood choppers.

  

 Lutheran Care’s Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade says many households are feeling the pinch at the moment, which has made it difficult for families to go on special outings or family holidays. 

 “We can tell from the steadily growing numbers of people looking to us for support, South Australian families are struggling,” Mr Feegrade says. 

 “It’s understandable that many families will be feeling like a visit to the Royal Adelaide Show is sadly out of their reach this year. 

 “Attending the Royal Adelaide Show is a great tradition for many, and one I looked forward to myself as a child, and today, with my kids.  

“Thank you to the very generous team at the Royal Adelaide Show for providing us with free entry passes to hand on to people doing it really tough right now. 

 “It is our hope by offering free tickets, as well as offering our Financial Wellbeing team’s advice, we can help more families have a great day and make lasting and important memories together.” 

 Mr Feegrade reminds anyone in need that emergency assistance and longer-term support can be accessed through Lutheran Care’s Emergency Relief and Financial Counselling services, with drop in sites located in northern Adelaide, the Barossa Valley, the Adelaide Hills, and in Alice Springs NT. 

“Through our Emergency Relief program, we assist people in crisis with immediate support such as food, clothing and vouchers,” Mr Feegrade says.  

“From here, we refer them to other Lutheran Care wraparound services such as Financial Counselling and various other supports. Our highly skilled team provides free information, advice and tailored supports to help clients develop the skills and confidence they need to improve their own financial wellbeing for the longer term.” 

There is more information about Emergency Relief and Financial Counselling on our website.