This article originally appeared on BellingenCourier.com.au
Life on the land has been tough right across the state for the last few years, and the adverse conditions have impacted show societies’ capacity to stage their big annual events. About 20 regional agricultural shows have fallen victim to drought and bushfires so far this financial year.
Bellingen Show committee was keen to help a show in our region that was facing challenging times and Tenterfield fitted the bill.
When they volunteered to lend a hand, Tenterfield was delighted to accept.
On the weekend, ten people from Bellingen Show Society travelled to Tenterfield in a ‘convoy of care’ to ensure their show was a success.
“This is a reflection of the generosity and support people are providing to each other in this terrible time of suffering and despair,” Bellingen Show publicity officer Geoff Adams said.
All seasoned workers, the Bellingen volunteers staffed the bar and the barbecue, acted as stewards, assisted with horse and cattle events and helped prepare entries in the pavilion. Mary Moody even stepped in to judge the quilts at the last minute when the judge was not able to be there.
“We know the hard work that goes into organising a regional agricultural show and what they mean to people in rural areas,” Bellingen Show president Gillian Anderson said.
“Our people were pleased to be able to reach out and lend some support to a fellow Show Society particularly at this time.”
A highlight of the show was the rain, which caused the official opening by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley, to be delayed.
The Governor-General and his wife visited Tenterfield following the October bushfires and expressed interest in returning for the 2020 Tenterfield Show.
The wet weather also caused the cancellation of some events, but the celebration of good rainfall, the vice-regal visit and a neighbouring show society coming to offer help certainly lifted spirits on the weekend, Gillian said.
“Tenterfield is already planning to come and assist Bellingen Show in May to ensure our show is as successful and develop a sister show partnership,” Gillian said.