Tash Westbrook is passionate about creating more agricultural experiences at the 2023 Copper Coast Show in Kadina on Saturday and Sunday, August 19-20.

Since joining the show committee in 2019, Tash has reintroduced an ag learning centre and led animal competition to the show.

“It was family connections that drew me back to the show,” she said.

“My Nanna, Anita Westbrook, was really involved in the show and I have such fond memories of us as kids loading all the pets up to bring in to show and spending the whole week leading up to the show cooking and preparing entries.

“I really wanted to make sure my kids had the same experiences.

“They’re all getting involved now, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and nephew all come over from Melbourne the week before the show and help them all with their entries.

“My nephew is also pretty good at photography, so he enters as well; they all love going around and looking for their entries.

“The show allows people to showcase and highlight skills that really are art forms, and need to be passed on to the next generation.”

Tash, also the show’s junior vice-president, said the show’s importance stretches across the community.

“It’s really beneficial to have these sorts of events where the communities can get together,” she said.

“We’ve seen our numbers increase from about 2000 people through the gates to 5500 last year, and we’re really keen to see that increase.”

Agriculture is a passion for Tash, who helps run Westbrook Family Farms, and is keen to continue creating opportunities for the next generation.

“Animals are such a key to getting kids interested in ag at a young age, and then hopefully that interest continues to grow and they move into ag careers,” she said.

“The show is such a wonderful opportunity to promote ag education and give exposure to non-farm kids, because they’re the ones we need to see moving into the field.”

Tash has also been the coordinator of the school led animal competition, which will be held on Friday, August 18.

“There are seven schools involved now, with St Mark’s at Port Pirie getting on board this year,” she said.

“Students will participate in led steer, led goat and wether Merino competitions, from about noon to 2pm.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to get some experience in the lead up to the Royal Adelaide Show.”

Tash said she’d love to see more people put their hands up to volunteer as part of the show.

“If you can’t make it to committee meetings, that’s fine, because there are so many ways you can be involved,” she said.

“We’re always looking for people who can put their hands up and help for a couple of hours during the show to either sell bags for the ag discovery trail, or be a presence in the ag learning centre.”

The Copper Coast Show is also calling for entrants to its annual scarecrow competition, with a workshop being held at the showgrounds in Kadina, on July 19.

“Since we’ve started doing workshops, (the number of) entries has really gone up,” Tash said.

“It’s great fun, it’s easy to do and they look fantastic, anyone of any age can do them.

“Judges will vote for winners in each category, but there will also be a people’s choice competition, judged at the show.

“We’re really glad to have the support of Emmetts this year as well.”

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 11 July 2023.