Bathurst Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Association Inc.
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The bulletin
Promoting Our Regional Industry Since 1858 SPRING 2024
PO Box 92, Bathurst NSW 2795 Phone (02) 6331 3175 E-mail admin@bathurstshow.com.au Association website www.bahpa.org.au Royal Bathurst Show website www.bathurstshow.com.au
Office hours Tuesday Thursday 9.00am 5.00pm Pres. C McPhee V. Pres. M Irvine Secretary B Kenworthy Show Councillors R Atcheson, S Boorer, J Cox, J Davis, B Elbourne, S Ferguson, B Hickey, K Morgan-Hunn, M Irvine, B Kenworthy, C McPhee, C Morgan, S Rigby, B Seaman, K Sloane, J Thompson, M Walker, Dr. R Wilson OAM, V Wilson. BRC Delegate: Cr. B Fry
Honorary Life Members
J Cox, S Farraway, ME Hargans, B Hickey, C McPhee, N Ramsay, B Seaman, AF Toole, J While, V Wilson Patron Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, Cr. J Jennings PhD
Cr. Ben Fry, BRC Delegate to Show Council and Deputy Mayor, Miss Florance McGufficke, The Land Sydney Royal Agshows NSW Young Woman 2023 and Mrs. Jody Nelson-Gleeson, Vice-President, Agricultural Societies Council of NSW contemplating the entries for the Fashion on the Field competition on an excellent show day during the Coronation Royal Bathurst Show 2023.
SINCE 2019 we have endured the impact on our association of COVID just when we thought nothing could hit us like the drought or the bushfires. It is often the case though, that through struggle comes success. The Bathurst AH&PA, through its tight knit team assisted by countless volunteers and many members and supporters has come through all this to conduct some of the best agricultural shows in our history and the state; achieving record attendances and gates, the traditional measure of success.
The weather even shone on us brightly - mostly After missing a year and making a significant loss in 2020, we bounced back in 2021 with the assistance of the then State and Federal Governments (without which it is fair to say we would not be here) and the goodwill and sheer determination of our patrons to get to and enjoy the show despite the pandemic.
2022 was another great show, with our attendances reaching a peak of 30,000.
2023 saw the ‘Coronation’ Royal Bathurst Show, the only ‘Royal’ show in the world conducted on the occasion of the crowning of HM the King. By chance our opening ceremony coincided with the actual coronation being held 16,846km away. It was our theme for the show and everyone got into the mood of it.
This year our show continued to be a success with excellent attendance and gates and competition levels holding up despite the economic changes. The Royal Bathurst Show is the Country Royal.
Get Ready For The 156th Royal Bathurst Show,The Country Royal
The sideshow looking down Peisley Street has long been the focal point of the amusement area
Smithy has been a part of the Show for decades, his hand painted main sign was renovated this year and featured here in his strip
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I AM INCREDIBLY honoured to continue to serve our wonderful community as President of the Bathurst Agricultural Horticultural & Pastoral Association, since replacing the leadership of our amazing outgoing long term past President, the Hon. Sam Farraway MLC we have continued to put on amazing show year after year.
I’ve had a long history with the Royal Bathurst Show becoming a member when
as Vice President. In 2018 I was honoured to be awarded the inaugural RAS of NSW Agricultural Shows Award for “exemplary long service to the association in support of the Royal Bathurst Show.”
All these years, I’ve been involved with the Yard Dogs section as Chief Steward, with the support of many of the local farmers who make this section so successful. My daughter, Kirby has also worked closely with me during the last few years and will ensure that the Yard Dogs section continues to run smoothly.
As President, I am incredibly proud to say that since the year 2020 were we couldn’t run our prestigious show, our team has continuously gone above and beyond to provide our community with some of the best shows in the organisation’s history, each attracting over 30,000 people for the 3 days the show runs over.
When I took up my Presidency I had made it my goal is to promote excellence in agriculture by providing informative and exciting displays, for each of the three days of our Show, so that the younger generation can see the relevance and future of the agriculture sector.
I look forward to another great year in 2025 and I hope to see you all at the 156th Royal Bathurst Show.
GET TO KNOW YOUR PRESIDENT (from 2020)
Q: How long would you last in a zombie apocalypse? A: Not long…
Q: What did you think was cool then, when you were young, but isn't cool now? A: Trousers with flares!
Q: If you could write one new law that everyone had to obey, what law would you create? A: That all children under the age of 10 get a free ice-cream on Australia Day.
Q: What skill or talent would you like to master? A: Plaiting leather whips
Q: Would you rather talk like Yoda or breathe like Darth Vader? A: Breathe like Darth Vader
Q: If you could swim in any liquid - what would you choose and why? A: The river, as that would mean that it is running.
Q: Would you rather fight 100 horse sized ducks, or 100 duck sized horses? A: Definitely the latter!!
Col McPhee, President & Cathy McPhee, Volunteer & ‘Presidents Choice’
Col McPhee & Tony Hellyer, Poultry Head Steward helping at a Market BBQ
L to R: Dom, the 2024 Esky Champion; Trevitt Pavilion Produce display, celebrating agriculture; 2024 Young Women Ambassador candidates; Mc & Mc Dressage; & a special Ute
SHOWGIRL /YOUNG WOMAN ACHIEVERS PROGRAM 2019 - 2024
2019 - Steph Ferguson
When Steph penned this we had just got through the worst bushfires in decades, after a terrible drought, none of us knew what was to come a month or two later.
I REMEMBER in primary school, announcing to my grandma that we were doing a collection for the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria.
I remember her placing a crisp, yellow $50 note in my hands and her threatening the wrath of Satan if I lost it. I also remember being amazed she trusted me with the money and even more so the number of other kids cramming those yellow notes in the donation boxes.
It’s what we do. We are Australians and we stand up for our mates.
I’ve spent the past three months travelling with a Vet in the USA and Canada. Every single place I have been the locals have welcomed me with open
arms. Simply because I am Australian.
This speaks volumes to our character and reputation internationally.
We have recently faced a terrible disaster. One that potentially threatens our very way of life, these fires are still burning and are expected to continue in the months to follow. My heart and prayers goes out to the people that have lost everything – homes, loved ones, pets, livestock and livelihoods. But we are Australian.
We will rebuild.
The spirit of our ancestors, the diggers who were renowned for resilience and mateship flows strong within us. From the firies fighting to protect our homes, to the kids going to school every day,
2021 - Laura Van Uum - our last ‘Showgirl’
IN 2021 as a shy young woman in my early twenties, I threw my hat in the ring for Bathurst Showgirl. Previous experience on Bathurst Regional Youth Council as a Councillor and Youth Mayor, high school leadership team, Young Rural Achievers Grand Champion and being a contestant in the 2019 Showgirl competition all prepared me for the competition.
Second time around was a charm and I was elated to have donned the blue sash and represent the Bathurst Show Society for the following year.
2021 was a special year for the Royal Bathurst Show returning after COVID-19 lockdowns had cancelled the 2020 show, a phenomenon that hadn’t occurred since World War II. COVID-19 may have taken its toll across many aspects of our daily lives but the one thing that COVID was unable to impact was the strength of community spirit.
It is that exact strength, resilience and quintessential ‘Aussie’ can-do attitude that breathed life back into the show movement across NSW when lockdowns were lifted.
In Bathurst, the Ferris Wheel was constructed, the cakes were displayed and the cows were trucked in as people flocked to the gates of Bath-
urst Showground for the 152nd Royal Bathurst Show.
My year as Showgirl saw me attend a professional development day in Dubbo and zone finals in Condobolin. Competition was friendly yet fierce with very impressive young women from a variety of backgrounds competing for a place on the Sydney Royal Easter Show stage.
The judge’s questioning revolved around female role models and changes in the Australian export industry.
On stage, I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss my small business assisting fellow regionally located businesses with their social media accounts, marketing needs and communication strategies.
despite what they have lost. To the parents down the road helping at the local emergency shelter.
Now is the time to let that Australian spirit shine through. Now is not the time to play the blame game. We need to look for the hope following this disaster – the stories that warm your heart, the koala saved by the fireman, the supplies donated and the Sikh volunteers feeding our communities.
Lift your communities up, reach deep into your hearts and if you can – your pockets.
There’s so many things you can do to help and it only takes a few moments – donate, send a message, call a friend, just do!
It’s unfortunately times like this where we are reminded of how lucky we are to be Australian. Simply because, at the end of the day there is someone out there to watch your back. Chin up mate, let’s look ahead and start planning the rebuild.
My career developed into a media and communications role for NSW Parliament. This role took my across new parts of the state and gave me a crash course into the underbelly of Australian politics, something I hadn’t experienced before.
Having survived the 2023 election I am now settled into my role finding great satisfaction through daily interactions with the community and constantly seeking new ways to communicate with locals about vital information from all levels of government.
I am very grateful for the experience, support from the show society whom some made the journey to zone finals to cheer me on, I will continue to uphold the title of the last ever Bathurst Showgirl with pride.
Although I didn’t make it to Sydney and the chapter of Showgirl drew to a close, a new opportunity arose.
LauraVanUum
At the time of her selection as the 2022 Royal Bathurst Show Young Woman Ambassador, the Western Advocate reported Zoe’s comments as:
“I AM INCREDIBLY honoured to be named “Young Woman Ambassador. I'd also like to extend my congratulations to the other girls who competed, they are all so incredible.
Even though I have won the competition I feel like meeting these girls was the biggest win of all," she said, adding she would encourage other young women to enter next year.
"I feel it's a real platform for young women, just to display what is good for them but what other women can do as well."
Judge, John Lowe, said he was extremely impressed by the calibre of all four entrants. "All were fantastic young women."
In 2021 Zoe was awarded the Order of Australia Association Youth Community Service Award for exemplary academic, sporting and community pursuits.
Zoe had also said she planned to study Paramedicine
2022 - Zoe Peters
SHOWGIRL /YOUNG WOMAN ACHIEVERS PROGRAM 2019
2023 - Megan Walton
CURRENTLY, I am in my 4th year of medicine training at Charles Sturt University, focusing on sub-specialties such as Obstetrics; Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, and Oncology.
My studies have not only deepened my medical knowledge but also strengthened my resolve to serve rural and disadvantaged communities, in Bathurst, where I plan to remain post-graduation.
I am committed to providing optimal healthcare and giving back to a community that has supported my growth.
My journey as a Young Woman Ambassador has taught me invaluable lessons. I’ve learned to embrace my identity, believe in my abilities, and communicate effectively with empathy and sincerity
Being genuine and passionate about causes close
2024 - Izzy Smith
BATHURST is surrounded by rich agricultural land which has served us well over the last 200 years, and for the 40,000 years before that.
It is not only our source of food, clothing, stock feed and building materials, but it has shaped who we all are as a community and the opportunities this region has to offer.
I have always been in awe of this, as I've grown up watching our farmers planting the seeds and the truckies carrying our stock to feed Australians wherever we are.
Despite my utmost enthusiasm, this isn't an industry I could work in.
"A 5 foot 2 inches young woman, built like a string bean, with experience just working on the family farm and pushing pens. How would I ever be able to keep up with the great Aussie farmer?"
I'd think to myself. I couldn't have been more wrong. The agricultural industry is ready and waiting for hard
to my heart like agriculture and health fuelled my ambition to make a meaningful impact.
Empowering other young women has been a transformative experience, reminding me of the power of initiating conversations and stepping out of comfort zones to create positive change. Winning this competition left me feeling proud, grateful, and inspired by the remarkable talents of my fellow young women.
It reinforced my commitment to advocacy and service; knowing that together, we can achieve remarkable feats in agriculture, healthcare and beyond.
find a fulfilling career, regardless of your demographic. Tired of sitting behind a desk for the years following high school graduation, I took a leap and joined the forestry industry as a seasonal field worker and
A decision that would change the trajectory of the next 3 years and unlocked a passion that I will carry for life.
Aussies are known for the strength of our volunteers. If not a career, why not seek out one of the multiple services and agencies we have selflessly serving in our region?
The RFS, SES, St John and the CWA have a huge impact on the lives of people when they need it
There is an abundance of opportunities in the forestry and agricultural space right on our doorstep, from data analysis to driving trucks,
Challenge what you find comfortable; you may find a lifetime opportunity that you
MeganWalton IzzySmith
never thought was possible. With all the unique offerings living in the country has to offer, it doesn't come without a cost. Our farmers are at the mercy of the elements and the economy.
We have praised them for their continual resilience through the major events they have endured over this last decade. And although we are rebuilding what we have lost, it is reported that nearly half of our farmers have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
We lose a farmer every 10 days to those thoughts. It's a tough conversation, but our 'she'll be right' attitude can fail us.
You may not know how tough your loved ones are doing it until it is too late, or until you simply ask, “How can I help in this mental health crisis?”
Before you buy corn, check that it is coming from our paddocks, support our local businesses that in turn support our farmers, and remember to check in on your mates.
Challenge yourself, invest in our region and look out for each other. The rest will take care of itself.
KNOW AYOUNG WOMAN AMBASSADOR ?
2025 IS FAST APPROACHING, and so is the Royal Bathurst Show Young Woman Ambassador competition. The Young Woman Ambassador program is designed to promote and foster women's role in our community. As an entrant they will have the opportunity to be an ambassador for our community and the agricultural show movement, encourage young women to be leaders, promote the important role of women in agricultural communities, and possibly to represent Bathurst at the Sydney Royal Show
If you are, or know, a young woman aged 18 -
24, that may be interested in being an ambassador for the Agricultural Show movement and are already involved in your local community or the agricultural industry, they could be the next Royal Bathurst Show Young Woman Ambassador.
Ultimately, they will meet like minded young ladies, get more involved in the community, make life long memories and receive a three day VIP pass to our great Show and other great prizes.
Contact Annette Gainsford on 0414 907 948 or annettegainsford27@gmail.com for info.
Left Page - L to R: Chef Chris Ringrose cooking demonstration were a blast; sashing in the ring; the old saying is never truer, you can’t get ahead without a hat, everyone dresses up for the show; a horse ring mid-judging; Bathurst Vignerons promoting their drop; Animal Nursery fun; an intense Yard Dog in full flight; Dep Premier J Barilaro with Show Councillor S Boorer and P Toole MP in the Howard Pavilion.
Right Page - L to R: Cattle Competitors having a good day; Young Pony Club competitors enjoying a great day in the ring; Another happy result in the Cattle Section; St Stanislaus boys always enjoy the Show; the Bathurst Challenge Gold Cup Grand Champion Merino Ram; G & R Rayner taking out the Grand Champion Merino Fleece
ROYAL BATHURST SHOW 2021
Left Page - L to R: 2021 Grand Champion Boer Doe & owner; a very clean exhibit in the Ute Section; Chants brand new big Ferris Wheel inaugural visit to Bathurst in 2021; the CWA crew doing a great job as usual led by Councillor S Rigby; the 2021 Fireworks were again spectacular; a perennial favourite, the Rich Fruit Cake Competition winner went to Group Final in Canowindra.
Right Page - L to R: As usual the cattle exhibits at the Royal Bathurst are a cut above the rest; Councillor V Wilson and our last ever Showgirl, L Van Uum with other Showgirl entrants; Champion Commercial Exhibit, Town & Country Rural team enjoy their success; Interbreed judging in the Cattle Section; a local apiarist with an array of products.
Left Page - L to R: 2021 RBS Show Dog Best In Show 2022 speaks for itself; meanwhile another dog doing amazing things in the High Jump; Grand Champion in the Goat Section; Chants Amusements Big Wheel becoming an institution at the Show in only its second appearance; the amusement area changes slightly every year; another major ride in full flght.
Right Page - L to R: The Saturday fireworks remain one of the most enjoyed moments of our patrons visit to the Show each and every year; The Ute Muster always has a great turn up on Sunday morning; the Shearing section competition underway on Saturday as usual, another great turnout; a classic on display in the Ute Muster.
ROYAL BATHURST SHOW 2023
Left Page - L to R: bumper horse exhibits saw rings pushing the daylight to the limit (Foxwood Photography); a beautiful sky and Chant Amusements and other Showman's Guild operators rides ready to go.
ROYAL BATHURST SHOW 2025 NEWS
THE PRIOR PAVILION is currently undergoing some much needed TLC. Having stood for 72 years with only minor bits of maintenance being carried out over the years, our beloved Prior Pavilion is seeing some major work being done to it. On the 6th of August 2024 the pavilion began to be dismantled and will be rebuilt in the image of the original with new materials and modern lighting while retaining some parts of the original building such as the timber posts.
FEATURE BREEDS FOR 2025. Feature breeds are important as they offer the opportunity for participants to benchmark their livestock, receive feedback from industry judge’s, and most importantly a platform to educate and engage with consumers about their breed.
Belted Galloway’s are our feature breed for the 2025 Royal Bathurst Show Cattle Section. We are excited to showcase such an attractive breed that originated from the South West of Scottland by breeding Galloways and Dutch Lakenvelder. The Belted Galloway is reared mainly for beef; it may also be used for vegetation management, otherwise known as conservation grazing. beef from such cattle may
have higher-than-usual levels of Omega 3. This is due to the longer maturity time of Belted Galloways and their mixed diet of concentrates and pasture grazing.
Our Sheep Feature Breed for the 155th Royal Bathurst Show was Border Leicester. This Breed is known for being a dual purpose breed as they produce a polled long wool coat as well as tasty, well yielding meat. Hailing from the United Kingdom, the Border Leicesters weight can range from 140 175 kilograms for rams and 90 120 kilograms for ewes. Border Leicesters are all white with a distinct long body, well-developed chest, wellsprung ribs and a wide, strong back.
YOUNG RURAL ACHIEVERS PROGRAM 2020 2024
THE MCINTOSH MCPHILLAMY
YOUNG RURAL ACHIEVERS Competition is an important part of the Royal Bathurst Show schedule.
It is awarded to encourage and reward our youth for their interest and involvement in local and national agricultural issues, the Royal Bathurst Show and the Show movement generally.
Judging criteria includes personal presentation and promptness, a written entry and resume, interests in sport, community projects, shows and agricultural interests. Participants should have sound knowledge of both local and general issues with a background of engagement in rural or regional interests.
The Rural Achievers program has gained a legacy of championing young leaders and individuals to drive positive change for rural and regional NSW. It provides invaluable networking and personal development opportunities.
The former Head Steward, Ms. V Wilson is the proprietor of local agribusi-
ness Town & Country Rural Supplies Landmark and has been a staple part of the community since her transfer to the region in 1985. Ms. Wilson has received numerous awards recognising her invaluable contribution to the community. Young Rural Achievers Competition Entrants have been well served by the competition to inspire community involvement.
These awards are proudly sponsored by McIntosh McPhillamy & Co with fantastic prizes. The overall
for the next twelve months, and is required to assist with the Award programme at the 2025 Show.
Entries will be open from October. We will be reaching out to entrants directly and through regional schools and colleges about the program and how to enter.
If you, or someone you know is interested in participating in this amazing opportunity to be an ambassador for our region, please contact the Show Office on 6331 3175.
THANKYOU MR. PRESIDENT from 2020
THE BATHURST AH&P would like to thank our former President, the Hon. Sam Farraway MLC for his hard work and unstinting dedication to our Association.
Sam was involved with the Council & Executive of the Association for over 10 years and his commitment to improving the Royal Bathurst Show has ensured the longevity of the event.
We are privileged to have seen Sam develop his skills and leadership within our Association.
Whether it was his community involvement, running the family business or volunteering countless hours to the running of the Show - he led from the
CHARDY PARTY
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH reckons that Chardonnay has overtaken Shiraz as Australia's largest wine variety, shedding its outdated reputation to become a favourite again. New data from Wine Australia shows a 31% increase in chardonnay grapes crushed this year, totalling 333,000 tonnes, surpassing shiraz at 298,000 tonnes, which saw a 14% decline to its lowest level since the 2007 drought-affected vintage.
Peter Bailey from Wine Australia noted that falling shiraz and other red variety levels were due to producers attempting to ease a glut caused by Chinese tariffs. "The reduction in the red crush is driven by shiraz, down by nearly 48,000 tonnes," he said, attrib-
front and is the benchmark to which youth in regional areas should aspire. We wish Sam all the best with his appointment to the Legislative Council of NSW and thank him for his contribution to our Association.
uting this to low grape prices, significant red wine stock overhangs, and reduced global demand.
White wine production rose 19% this year to 722,000 tonnes, making up 51% of overall production and surpassing red grapes for the first time since 2014. Ali Lewis of Piccadilly Vineyards in the Adelaide Hills noted a shift in consumer preference, especially among younger drinkers, towards lighter reds and whites.
"When we started, chardonnay was out of fashion, but now it appeals to the 25 to 40 age group," she said. Support our local vineyards today by purchasing a Chardonnay, Shiraz or try a wine tour at a local vineyard.
BITS & PIECES
YOUNG FARMERS BUSINESS PROGRAM CONFERENCE was held on 16th 17th May 2024 at Armidale. A chance for young farmers to get started in business or expand their existing business, and connect them with business people. Speakers included Grace Brennan and Nedd Brockman, and Jodi Lee
BATHURST HERITAGE TRADES TRAIL will run 12-13 April 2025. A showcase of rare and lost trades and crafts including blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip cracking & making, glass artistry and so much more!
WESTERN GROUP OF SHOW SOCIETIES NEXT MEETING will be Saturday 8 Feb 2025 via Zoom. We are entiltled to three delegates at these meetings. If you are interested in attending, please contact the office to discuss.
STEWARD & VOLUNTEER TRAINING - Want to Steward for next years Royal Bathurst Show? Please Contact us so we can notify you of our next training. The Steward training program is open to anyone over 14 years old. It is essential that all Show Councillors & existing Stewards attend Steward Accredi-
RBS SUPREME LIVESTOCK EXHIBIT 2024
THE BATHURST Regional Council Award for Excellence, the Supreme Livestock Exhibit for the 155th Royal Bathurst Show was awarded to M-Jay Luna, owned by Melise Tuma-Webb.
On the day of competition , the exhibit showed remarkable temperament and behaviour having completed all led exhibit tasks elegantly and timely.
Since the show M-Jay Luna has been enjoying her prize of Horse Health supplements thanks to PhyteQuine and will hopefully be back next year to continue her campaign.
Thank you to Elegant Exposures for providing this photo and the many other great photos of the equestrian section.
ASC NEXT GEN
THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
Council Next Gen is the youthful extension of the ASC for those aged between 18-35 years of age.
They aim to provide guidance and support through collaboration and education and by engaging and supporting youth in the NSW Agricultural Shows Movementtoensureits’continuation and progression.
If you are interested in being involved in the ASC Next Gen, contact the ASC office on 02 9879 6777.
RBS SUPREME STATIC EXHIBIT 2024
THE BATHURST Regional Council Award for Excellence, the supreme static exhibit at this years show was awarded to Connor MacMurray’s ‘Trout’ Champion Cake Decoration Exhibit.
Connor MacMurray is a teacher at Kelso High School and has a background in wood and metal working, textiles, design, graphic technology, STEM and construction.
It is clear that Mr MacMurray has a talent for baking and designing cakes as he also baked and hand painted a wedding cake for a friend of his which depicted an artwork from Monet.
The time, passion and attention to detail that went into this exhibit is what makes it worthy of the Supreme Static Exhibit award and its recognition for excellence.
We cant wait to see what Connor brings us next year. If you would like to compete with Connor for the title of Supreme Static Exhibit, entries for our Pavilion Sections will open later this year.
CELEBRATING AG SHOWS AWARDS
The Celebrating Agricultural Show Awards night was held this year in Dubbo on May 31st to June 1st.
AgShows NSW play a massive part in our show and every show around the state, The role of the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW is to provide
mation, ticketing, real time sales data and software to make the show experience for customers more streamlined.
Thanks to the ASC, of
THE THINGS A SECRETARY IS called upon to do for their associations.
2019 has been an interesting year. We’ve seen the best and worst of it, and unfortunately 2020 is shaping to test us even further. We will get through it by helping each other and maintaining our focus on our objectives.
The example of community support and volunteering around the bushfires has been nothing less than amazing. Close to home, the efforts by the Palmers Oakey crew and everyone involved in combating the fires in our region was inspiring, many of them members and patrons of our association.
On the other side, sadly, long standing competitor Patrick Salway and his fa-
ther lost their life protecting their property in Cobargo. Our thoughts go out to his wife Renee and their family. He will be widely missed from the horse world.
What’s on the horizon ? Our 152nd annual agricultural show dominates, but also maintaining our existing campaigns and developing new advocacy initiatives, and lots more.
Attending the inaugural national agricultural show conference in January reconfirmed for me the importance of our focus on what we do and more importantly why - to promote, educate and develop agriculture and our regional life. I came away positive that we are on the right track, and more importantly with some great ideas. Especially from the
example of the Erie County Fair in New York State. More on that later. Stay safe and buy local!
Sept 7 Forbes Show
Sept 13-14 Wagga Wagga Show
Sept 20-21 Eugowra Show
Sept 21-22 Nimbin Show
Sept 22 Young Show
Sept 27-29 Singleton Show
Oct 6 Berrigan Show
Oct 12 Trunkey Creek Show
Oct 12-13 Taree Show
Oct 14 Norfolk Island Royal Show
Oct 18-19 Cowra Show
Oct 26-27 Picton Show
Nov 1-3 Albury Show
Nov 4 BAHPA AGM
Nov 8-9 Dungog Show
Nov 9 Neville Show
Nov 15 National Agriculture Day
Nov15-16 Bulahdelah Show
Jan-11-12 Bowral Show
Jan 31-Feb 1 Berry Show
Feb 7-8 Rydal Show
Feb 8-9 Oberon Show
Feb 14-15 Gulgong Show
Feb 21-23 Canberra Royal Show
Feb 23 Sofala Show
Feb 28 Mudgee Show
Mar 1-2 Luddenham Show
Mar 7-8 Coonabarabran Show
Mar 15 Yass Show
Mar 22 Blayney Show
Mar 29-30 Walgett Show
Apr 4-5 Camden Show
Apr 5 Mendooran Show
Apr 25-26 Moree Show
Apr 29-30 Kempsey Show
May 2-3 Bonalbo Show
May 2-3 Macksville Show
May 2-4 156th Royal Bathurst Show
May 2-4 Narrabri Show
A number of meetings are held regularly such as SHOW COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, SECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
If you would like to find out about attending, providing input or getting involved please contact us.
KEEP US FARMING
AS AN AGRICULTURAL, horticultural and pastoral association we take our objectives very seriously. We aren’t just a Show Society, we’re here to promote, educate & develop.
The last 5 years has seen our country ravaged by weather extremes and hard times with our farmers, towns and people working hard to try and adapt and outlast one of the worst droughts in recorded history, Floods all over the east coast and further inland as well as COVID-19 and now cost of living crisis that is impacting us all.
Our RFS and SES volunteers have worked tirelessly throughout the years and our farmers are well supported by their local produce stores who do their best to source well priced feed for livestock. It isn’t just the farmer who struggles, it’s the entire town – drought, floods and sickness impacts all.. The emergence of national campaigns such as “Buy From the Bush” and “Empty Esky” encourages us to buy local and support your neighbour. These campaigns have been hugely successful with many small and on-farm businesses selling record amounts of stock in the lead up to Christmas.
Australia’s agricultural shows began in the 1820’s to promote and develop agriculture in the colony. They have weathered drought, wars, floods, sickness, product price slumps and financial crisis and the importance of these Shows is all the more evident during times of difficulty as they are unequalled at bringing communities together. These Shows are run by the community for their community, and offer the chance to educate the wider community on what a contemporary farmer looks like.
As farming changes and we see the rise of corporations, educating the general public about the importance of farming and its role in our day to day lives becomes even more significant.
As we move towards the 2025 Royal Bathurst Show we are acutely aware of the hard work of our members and volunteers, we are reminded of the words of Coretta Scott King “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Buy local, from the bush.
IN MEMORIUM
OVER the past few years we have lost a number of Honorary Members, long term members, and supporters. Honorary Members
RK WOOD, MJ GARMENT OAM, CL FERGUSON.
Members
N DAWSON, A BOWE, A NANKERVIS, P MOORE, L PRATLEY, T RENSHAW, J SCANES, TC ROSS, EA NAYLOR, M MEEK, D LARNACH, W LARNACH
G CORONES, Hon. Veterinarian
NATIONAL AG DAY
ON 15 NOVEMBER we will be acknowledging National Agriculture Day to celebrate and promote the important and significant work of the ag and related industries in our region. Watch out for info on how to get involved. Grow you good thing.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2025 MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS are due from December. Don’t just renew your membership; grab a membership for a friend or family member as a gift.
Fees have not risen for many years now and in relation to the Gate Entry price they are a good buy. Especially as you also have the opportunity to get involved in your Association.
Full $84 Open to persons 18 years of age and over
Single $44 Open to persons 18 years of age and over
Junior $22 Open to persons under the age of 18
Financial Life $840 Open to persons 18 years of age and over
Corporate $220 Open to businesses & for profit organisations
Associate $110 Open to community & not for profit organisations