THE Mildura District Kennel Club is finally able to host a major event this month, after five of the past six local dog shows were cancelled due to COVID-19.

After receiving government funding this month, the club has announced a festival of five dog shows at the end of this month, in line with all COVID regulations.

Club secretary Desley Reid-Orr said the funding would cover all equipment and the staff required to keep the event COVID-safe.

"The Victorian Government has established the Regional Community Events Fund to help regional and rural community groups to recover by providing funding support where there is need, and to help community groups stage COVID-safe events," she said.

"(The) grant of $7000 to cover things as COVID marshals checking vaccination status, provision of additional cleaning products, weather-safe items suc...