It's Show time!

The Noosa Country Show is on again! Held on 12&13 September at the Pomona Showgrounds, the event showcases a mixture of ring events, displays, competitions, entertainment and of course, food.

Country shows are of course about more than just rides and show bags. They provide an opportunity for farmers to share knowledge, display produce and livestock, and showcase farming innovation. They also help children understand where their food comes from and allow local exhibitors to showcase their art, craft, cooking and gardening skills, instilling a true sense of community that brings people together.

The Noosa Country Show is a long-standing institution that has been running for 116 years. Pomona-based orchid grower Gail Hilditch said, “I started entering my orchids in the Noosa Show a few years ago, when there were rumours that the show may close due to a lack of support. So, a group of us got together and entered plants, veggies, vintage cars, cakes, jams and knitting. And I haven’t stopped since!”

Around 587 agricultural shows are held nationally, with 129 of them in Qld. These are run by more than 13,500 volunteers,

attract 1.3M visitors, and generate at least $9.6M to the national economy.

Chair of Ag Shows Australian (ASA) Jacqueline Wilson-Smith, who lives locally at Eerwah Vale, said, “For more than 200 years, agricultural shows have brought people together across the nation, with 1 in 6 people attending a show each year. The show movement is something every Australian should be proud of, providing valuable connection points, such as town to country, farm to plate, and an insight into rural life.

“It is important to recognise that over this time our food systems and farming have changed. Once upon a time everyone had a cousin in the bush. However, in recent years there has been a significant demographic shift in our population, with more people living in urban areas and less people farming. Yet we are producing more food than ever before. It is vital that our agricultural shows reflect these changes and celebrate the diversity of our changing communities.”

Next Gen – an initiative of ASA – aims to strengthen the show movement across the country by increasing youth participation within local show societies, creating stronger, more sustainable agricultural shows and continuing the legacy of these iconic events.

Programs such as the Rural Ambassador Awards provide an opportunity for young people aged 20-30 who are passionate about rural life, agriculture and their local agricultural show societies, to participate in a national competition and leadership program. The program is designed to help participants network, develop their skills and hone their ambition, giving them

the confidence to return to their communities and industries and assume leadership positions. Running for over 40 years, the Qld Showgirl Awards is another tradition that is recognised for its role in developing young female leaders and shaping them into women of influence in their local or wider communities. If you are 1417yo or 18-28yo and interested in improving your confidence, leadership and public speaking skills contact: AdministrationOfficer@ NoosaShowSociety.org.au.

To see the schedule of events and attractions at this year’s Noosa Country Show visit: noosashowsociety.org.au.

Tania Watson