Dorrigo & Guy Fawkes Agricultural Association Inc.

Dorrigo’s first show in three years might be over but organisers and officials are still celebrating its quality, success and popularity.

Society President, Sally Duckett summed it up this way: “After three tough years of “No Show” forced upon us by Covid 19, 2022 was a huge success; perhaps one of the best ever.”

“The feedback from exhibitors, competitors, volunteers and visitors was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

“One long time Dorrigo Show-goer told me this: I have never seen such open-hearted warmth among those who attended, especially the exhibitors, their families and supporters.

“They came together in groups, they sat, talked, laughed: the atmosphere was one of warmth, welcoming, friendship and everything a country show could present.

“How good is that?”

Sally listed a number of specific areas of success for the 2022 show:

• There were excellent entry numbers in most sections
• Entries in the motor bike classes were a record
• Our night rodeo drew the biggest crowd, ever, the quality of competition was very high, and the crowd response, fantastic
• Our efforts to include some special features generated warm support, sometimes where we did not expect it. None better than the Mounted Police contingent from Sydney and the two Policewomen and their beautiful mounts who won hearts wherever they went
• And the participation of the Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, recognising her long-time support for the Dorrigo Show, the whole Plateau and its people. Melinda also Officially opened the Cutting Arena, a huge asset to the Showground and the Community.

“There were two areas of special importance that I wish to emphasise, both of which highlighted the deliberately chosen theme of the show: Women in Agriculture:

The address of NSW Young Farmer of the Year for 2020, Renae Connell, really supported our hopes of emphasising women in Australia agriculture.

Well done, Renae!

And the announcement that Leah Sinclair, a local girl from a long time Show supporting family will represent us at Walcha in the State Final of the newly instigated Young Woman of the Year Contest.

All of these things combine to focus on the importance of a well run country show, their impact on local people and the joy and “positive lift” they bring to people who choose to be part of them.

After three years of “No Show” what could be a better way to “break the drought”?