Ag Shows In NSW On A Mission To Celebrate, Motivate And Educate

The largest volunteer network in New South Wales will converge on Dubbo next month to celebrate, motivate and educate their fellow agricultural show societies on what makes a great show in 2023 and beyond.

All volunteers from shows across the state are invited to attend the one-day conference, hosted and funded by AgShows NSW.

The 192 country and suburban shows in NSW welcome more than one million patrons annually, some attracting a couple of hundred visitors through to larger shows welcoming over 40,000 ticket holders.

While shows are steeped in agricultural history, with longest running country shows in the state dating back over 175 years, this conference hosted by the peak body will focus on the future.

President of AgShows NSW, Peter Gooch from Moss Vale said agricultural shows had always been an integral part of Australian culture.

“These shows go a long way to boosting regional economies and strengthening the collective spirit of our communities and families,” Mr Gooch said.

“Our 192 agricultural shows are the backbone of their local communities.

“This is the event of the year for our members and it’s an important time to come together after the impact of four years of natural disasters such as fires and floods, not to mention COVID lockdowns.”

Shows will be welcomed into Dubbo on Friday night, June 16, for social drinks and networking hosted by the youth contingent of AgShows NSW, known as Next Generation.

“It’s a great time to meet other volunteers, chief stewards, committee members and next-generation delegates to find out what works at their shows, what hurdles they have overcome, and how they’re growing and innovating,” Mr Gooch said.

“The big day is Saturday, 17 June at Dubbo RSL where we’ll host panel sessions and hear from renowned speakers on vital topics including tips and tricks to attract, retain and reward volunteers who are the backbone of our show societies, leveraging youth programs like Young Woman, Rural Achievers and Young Judges to find our future leaders, creating great culture and smooth-running committees, being cyber secure in the era of hacks and cyber attacks, and cultivating creativity through great ideas, smart innovations and quick wins.”

Speakers include:

• John Peacock AM of the Associations Forum;
• John Bennett OAM of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and the Royal Agricultural Societies of the Commonwealth;
• Phil Lemieux of PSC Insurance; and
• A variety of show societies sharing case studies and successes.

An adjacent seminar hosted by Lyndsey Douglas of the Show Announcers Academy will be held at The Exchange on Friday afternoon for aspiring commentators and show broadcasters.

Attendees will celebrate outstanding members of show communities at the annual gala dinner and awards night on Saturday.

Go to https://www.agshowsnsw.org.au/ to register your attendance for the Celebrating AgShows events.

• Topics:

• Ag Shows
• Agriculture & Farming