Agricultural shows have played a leading role in the development of agricultural communities since the first show in Hobart in 1822.
They are one of the oldest continuous events in post-colonial Australian society and are still popular in every state and territory with about 587 shows run annually in Australia.
In Queensland there are 129 Agricultural Show Societies run by more than 13,500 volunteers. They provide small local events with community populations of 300 or less, to large multi-day events such as the Ekka, which attracts more than 400,000 visitors every year.
On average though, the shows are small- to medium-sized and run by volunteers who govern their independent associations known as Show Societies.
As they prepare to host their shows this month, Queensland Farmer Today spoke to Mortimer Duff of Proston and Emily Kemp of Goomeri . . .
Proston Show Society president Mortimer Duff.
1) When were you elected president/ secretary of the Proston Show?
I was elected as president in August 2022. This March will be my third show as president.
2) Prior to this, what involvement did you have with the local show?
Some of my fondest childhood memories are at agricultural shows. When I was 14, I won the Stud Beef Young Judges at the Brisbane Exhibition (2010). I’d also wager I’m the most successful Tiny Tot in Gympie Show history. And I still have the sashes to prove it!
3) What makes the Proston Show so special?
Proston Show is special to me because it’s a family affair. Our committee and volunteers are largely stalwarts of the show and there’s multiple generations from lots of families who pitch in to make it possible. We’re also one of the few shows in our wider region that runs a full program of events and competitions. Our highlight this year is the Brangus Feature Show – just two months out from Beef Expo 2024, it should be a cracker of an event.
4) How many people, on average, do you expect through the gates?
This year, Proston Show is offering unlimited rides all day for just $10, so we’re expecting our highest attendance on record. Last year we fell just short of 1500 patrons – we’re expecting to smash that number this year!
5) How important do you think the show is for the local community?
Our show (and shows by-and-large) offer the community something to aspire to – a day where the best of the region is put on display for everyone to see. Moreover, it’s the biggest local social occasion of the year and offers a chance for anyone with an interest or connection to Proston to catch up with friends both young and old.
6) And, do you receive lots of support from volunteers?
Our volunteer base is small but passionate. Proston is a township of less than 400 people and we punch far above our weight with the show we deliver. As our culture of volunteerism changes, we’ve begun outsourcing our show jobs to local community groups so that they can use the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for their chosen cause.
7) Please feel free to add in anything of relevance …
We are here to give the public what they want and what they expect from a show. Grand Parades, fantastic sashes and showgirls, sideshow performers, affordable family fun and ice-cold beers.
It’s important to make the day as all-encompassing and as vibrant as possible.
*** Goomeri Show Society secretary Emily Kemp.
1) When were you elected secretary of the Goomeri Show Society?
I was asked by the current secretary to take over (I was not elected) in February of 2022.
2) Prior to this, what involvement did you have with the local show?
I was a member of the committee since February 2021 when I moved to Goomeri.
3) What makes the Goomeri Show so special?
Goomeri Show is very much a community-orientated show. We are about trying to bring the community together in an agricultural setting. We have many different animal sections including cattle, horses and dogs, which bring many spectators and a lot of local talent to the show.
4) How many people, on average, do you expect through the gates?
On average we have around 500 people attend our shows, though we are hoping to increase that this year as we are bringing rides back, which we have not had since 2021.
5) Are these mainly local attendees or do they come from afar?
We have a variety from local to further away but majority are locals who enjoy our shows in the horse and cattle sections, many people from far away nominate in the dog showing.
6) How important do you think the show is for the local community?
The show is a very important event that we have yearly! Many locals get involved with volunteering or just attending, it brings the community together.
7) And, do you receive lots of support from volunteers?
We have an amazing group of volunteers, for on the day and the days leading up. It is amazing to see the volunteers come back year after year and commit many hours to our show planning and on the day.
8) Please feel free to add in anything of relevance …
Our sponsors are an amazing support, many local sponsors get behind our show every year, either through prizes, trophies or cash donations/sponsorships. Shows are not possible without the sponsors!
