Agricultural show society volunteers invited to attend AgShows NSW conference

All volunteers from agricultural shows as far afield as Wentworth in the west, Moree in the north and Bombala in the south of NSW are invited to attend a one-day conference, hosted and funded by AgShows NSW and held at the Dubbo RSL on 17th June.

AgShows NSW will 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 show societies, leveraging youth programs like Young Woman, Rural Achievers and Young Judges to find 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 and smart innovations.

The 192 country and suburban shows in New South Wales welcome more than one million patrons annually, some attracting a couple of hundred visitors through to the likes of Camden, Bathurst, Taree, Newcastle, Lismore, Hawkesbury and Blacktown Shows welcoming over 40,000 ticket holders each.  

While shows are steeped in agricultural history, with longest running country shows in the state dating back over 175 years including the likes of Maitland, Kiama and Penrith Shows, this conference hosted by the peak body focuses on the future.  

President of AgShows NSW Peter Gooch, Moss Vale advises “Agricultural shows have 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. 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.”

“We’ll welcome shows into Dubbo on the Friday night, 16th June, 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.”

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.  

Gooch adds “there’s also an adjacent seminar hosted by Lyndsey Douglas of the Show Announcers Academy being held at The Exchange on Friday afternoon for aspiring commentators and show broadcasters.”

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

To register attendance for the Celebrating AgShows events go to www.agshowsnsw.org.au/

Image. Hawkesbury Show