Each year the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW (ASC) are proud to host an awards ceremony which recognises the excellence, dedication and innovation of Agricultural Show volunteers from across the State. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the awards ceremony was cancelled this year.
The thirteen finalists and winners, from a pool of 23 nominees were recognised for their contributions to the Agricultural Show Movement on Facebook.
Mr Tim Capp, the President of the ASC announced the winners of the awards for excellence, dedication, supporting your community through fire, supporting your community through drought and innovation, live on the ASC Facebook page Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Ltd on Thursday 23rd April, 2020 at 7pm.
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
The ASC of NSW Award for Excellence recognises a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the Show Movement.
Finalists:
Natalie Cox (Sofala Show Society).
Natalie Cox has been the Sofala Show Society President for a couple of years and during this time has improved the Show and its administration dramatically.
Brenton and Lynette Potter (Nimmitabel Show Society)
The Chainsaw Racing events at Nimmitabel Show have been revamped by Brenton and Lynette. Together they have shown excellence in the organisation and implementation of these events. They have new competitors, sponsors, young volunteers, and they ensure the event runs smoothly. They are helping secure the future of the Show.
Winner:- Brenton and Lynette Potter, Nimmitabel Show Society.
SHOW DEDICATION AWARD
The ASC of NSW Show Dedication Award recognises a person who has shown exceptional dedication to their Show and Show Society. The nominees were Alison Clements (Dorrigo Show Society), James Larkin (Binnaway Show Society) and Simon Pateman (Nimmitabel Show Society).
Finalists:-
Peter Smith (Lockhart Show Society)
Peter Smith has shown outstanding dedication to the Lockhart Show Society. He joined the Show Society in 1970 and quickly assumed leadership roles which he held for many years. He is still an active member of the Show Committee.
Ralph and Chris Cook (Nowra Show Society)
Loyalty and dedication describe this couple. Over the past 25 years Ralph has fulfilled many positions. As President he was instrumental in creating beneficial change in the administration of the Show.
With a working life as a banker he was in the position to provide, as Treasurer, sound financial governance.
Heather and Colin Woodhouse (Molong Show Society)
Heather and Colin’s tireless efforts and dedication to the Show movement have spanned many years. Colin started out as Secretary in the 1970s and Heather has been part of the Show Society for about 75 years.
Winner:- Heather and Colin Woodhouse, Molong Show Society.
SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH FIRE AWARD
The first of the Show Awards that have been introduced this year is the Supporting your Community through Fire Award. This award recognises a Show who has shown exceptional dedication to their community during times of extreme fire conditions.
Finalists:
Taree Show
From the onset of the fires Taree Showground became a safe place for large animals. The Show Society committee recorded the movement of animals on and off the Showground. Meals were supplied for everyone on the ground. They officially became an evacuation centre and then a recovery centre.
Nimmitabel Show
With their annual Show cancelled Nimmitabel Show Society held a Young Judges Zone Final and Community Day for Nimmitabel Fire Fighters and locals on March 15th. This event brought the community together to say thank you and allowed the Young Judges a chance to qualify for the State Finals at Sydney Royal.
Nowra Show
After considerable discussion, the Nowra Show committee decided to proceed with the 144th Nowra Show in early February 2020. Prior to this decision the four proceeding Shows had cancelled due to the bushfire crisis. The challenging times the Shoalhaven Community and surrounding areas have endured as a result of the ongoing drought and devastating bushfires, the Nowra Show Society supported the community by offering free entry to the 2020 Show. This gave the community something positive to look forward to and an opportunity to debrief and talk with other members of the community.
Winner:- Nowra Show
SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH DROUGHT AWARD
The second of the Show Awards that have been introduced this year is the Supporting your Community through Drought Award. This award recognises a Show who has shown exceptional dedication to their community during times of extreme drought.
The nominees were Nowra Show and Nimmitabel Show.
Finalists:
Berrigan Show
Free entertainment for children at the 2019 Show. The objective was to provide a low-cost day out for families to relax, socialise, enjoy community facilities, and to take a break from the impacts of drought. Building social inclusion during the current drought is critically important for Australian farmers and their families to continue to build resilience.
Morisset Lake Macquarie Show
Kerrin Rumore was the driving force behind the Show’s involvement in Drought Relief to Neighbouring Regions. The Showground was opened as a drop-in centre for a weekend so the local community could donate much needed stock and supplies, this raised over 30K in stock feed. All goods were transported and distributed to a community on the outskirts of Scone. Orphaned lambs were also taken in, to be able to supply the community with breeding stock when the drought breaks. Kerrin also travelled many kilometres over 9 months placing Rural Aid Tins in shops and clubs and going back and emptying them. Over 27K was raised.
Winner:- Morisset-Lake Macquarie Show.
PRESIDENT’S INNOVATION AWARD
This award is for innovation by a Show Society Member of the Agricultural Societies Council. The Nominees were Ganmain Show Society Inc, Goulburn Agricultural Pastoral & Horticultural Society Inc, Nowra Show Society Inc, Blacktown City Show Society Incorporated and Newcastle Agricultural Horticultural & Industrial Association Inc.
Finalists:
Camden Haven Show Society
The innovation:-The 2019 Rain Dance Fundraiser. With the devastating drought and the impact on her community Taren Gleeson wanted a family, fun, friendly fundraiser that could get anyone and everyone young or old who entered through the gates at the 2019 Show involved. The Rain Dance was danced numerous times over the two day show, over
100 people participated and over $2,000 was raised for Rural Aid. This innovation has resulted in an increase in younger volunteers and members and engaged community groups who had not been involved in the Show previously. There was no cost to the Show Society but a huge benefit to farmers. Other Shows took up the challenge.
Dubbo Show Society Inc
The innovation:-National Shearing Championships. The Shearing sub-committee of the Dubbo Show Society saw an opportunity to hold an event that would put Dubbo on the map, promote the shearing and woolhandling industry and raise much needed funds to support the Show Society. In November 2019 the Dubbo Show Society ran and
hosted the National Shearing Championships. The Show Society did the catering and provided over 5,000 meals. The overall profit to the Show Society was $30,000.
Kangaroo Valley A and H Association Inc,
The innovation:-The 2019 Show hosted the World’s Largest Cheese Tasting.
In order to promote the dairy industry and provide a fun event at the 2019 Show it was decided to challenge the existing World Record for the greatest number of people tasting cheese at one time. The results were impressive, over 1,000 official participants with over 2000 show attendees watching. This initiative brought more than 500 extra people to the Show. The $7,500 gate takings can be attributed
to this event alone. There is Official recognition by Guinness World Records that this attempt is now a new World Record.
Winner:- Kangaroo Valley A and H Association Inc
The ASC is pleased to offer these awards and each year is inspired by the stories and innovations of the outstanding nominees who are contributing to their communities and the Agricultural Shows Movement.