ASA would like to sincerely thank both Vicki and Angus for their important and lasting contribution to the fabric of agricultural knowledge and entertainment delivered at our wonderful community events over three decades.
Their understanding, insights and vast knowledge of the many facets of conducting an Agricultural Show has been instrumental in informing and educating the general public about the importance of agriculture to the Australian way of life, the economy and to the wellbeing and support for regional and rural communities. Coupled with their enthusiastic support and promotion for the Grand Parade, which highlights the success of many shows around Australia.
The dulcet tones of Angus’s ring announcing and interviewing had become an integral part of the celebrations of these iconic events and will be missed.
ASA wish Vicki and Angus all the best in the years to come.
This article originally appeared in The Land Online by Lucy Robinson
Angus Lane, the voice of Aussie agricultural shows, hands mic to next generation
Fast forward to 2021, and Mr Lane’s dulcet tones have been wafting over show rings across Australia for more than three decades.
Highlights in the former city kid’s career include being the chief announcer at the Ekka from 1992–2008, making the “long list” for showjumping announcers at the Olympic Games in 2000 and announcing at 20 Perth Royal Shows.
Last year, he was recognised as a Queensland Great for his continued passion and enthusiasm for agricultural shows.
But Mr Lane, who got his start at the tiny Jandowae Show in 1989, has chosen the Toowoomba Royal Show as his last hurrah before retirement.
“There’s so much history here. It’s just been a joy,” he said. “To me, shows are the greatest things on earth. “What better way to spend your life?”
Mr Lane’s decision to step down from announcing relates partly to his wife, Vicki, being diagnosed with cancer. “I’d never have this success in my life [without her],” he said. “We’ve been working as a team for all these years.” He said going nearly 12 months without a show due to COVID-19 last year also helped him realise the time was right.
Mr Lane said he has a protege in Jake Smith, who will be going to Beef Australia this year, but other fantastic ring announcers he has worked with included Lyndsey Douglas at the Ekka and Tim Dreverman at the Royal Easter Show. He said another young announcer, Justin Matthews, who was involved in the show movement’s 2017 National Rural Ambassador titles, had a strong future too.
“There’s an exciting time ahead,” he said. “The quality is improving all time — the quality of cattle, the quality of horses, the quality of livestock.
“Whoever follows us, I wish them well, and all I can do is hope and pray that they have a great journey just like we’ve had.” And he has sage advice for the next person to pick up that microphone. “Anyone can do announcing, anyone can do results,” Mr Lane said. “But learning to become a storyteller is so important because there are generations of people that have given their blood and their sweat and their tears to make a successful business as primary producers and exhibitors.”