“Blackwood to the Beach”

Bridgetown Agricultural Society Inc.

Since 1885, the strength and resilience of the Committee and the Community has ensured the continuation of Bridgetown’s oldest Family Community Event, the Bridgetown Show. Each year the Committee embrace a new aspect of our community as a theme for our Annual Show.

We like to focus on the interesting aspects of the theme and encourage the community to take part, to share their stories and knowledge and create a fun and entertaining event for all ages. In recent years we have included foods in the Open Shed that encompass the delectable side to our theme.

The Blackwood River is noted as being the longest, permanently flowing, river in the state and begins its journey near the wheat belt town of Wagin, before flowing through Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Nannup and on into the Hardy Inlet near the town of Augusta. It has 42 tributaries and a total catchment area of some 28,100 square kilometres (10,849 sq mi). Flowing almost 400 km from its source in the wheatbelt, through the Blackwood Valley, to the Southern Ocean and the beach of Flinders Bay near Augusta.

Our theme “Blackwood to the Beach” encompasses all the wonderful aspects of the country this beautiful River travels. Along its banks and the lakes, swamp and wetland areas in the catchment have many rare and priority vertebrate fauna and flora species. It is home to many species of wildlife, birds and animals abounding along the banks. The striking Blue Wrens vary in colouration throughout the changes in vegetation. Red Robins, White Robins and many types of Honey Eaters. Many varied waterbirds like teal ducks, purple swamphens, white-faced herons and little black cormorants wading or swimming in the Blackwood River.

A unique native mammal found is a vulnerable marsupial called the south-western brush-tailed Phascogale. The Blackwood River is home to many different species of fish. The water quality varies and depending where you are along the river you’ll find marron, rainbow trout, brown trout, freshwater cobbler, redfin perch and Black Bream. Closer to the mouth of the river, around Augusta, can be caught King George Whiting, Sand Whiting, Black Bream, Juvenile Salmon, Herring, Skippy, Flathead, Tailor, Mulloway, Flounder and Blue Swimmer Crabs. Also seen are Samson Fish swimming around the jetties. From the beach you may even see a mighty whale. Events and activities include swimming, power boating, picnicking, canoeing, fishing and just hanging out by the banks of the river.

Bridgetown’s first Bridge was constructed in 1862, swept away by flood waters before it could be used. The second built in 1862 further upstream swayed due to poor footings. The third in 1888 was then replaced with the fourth bridge to cope with heavier traffic in 1936. Bridgetown’s fifth and current Blackwood River Bridge (built 1981), is one of the last made from jarrah and is 129.6 metres long. It is reputedly the longest jarrah bridge in Western Australia.

Our theme will showcase highlights of the “Blackwood to the Beach” through Entertainment, Section Classes, Foods and Information. Remember: Everyone’s different. Everyone belongs & we all smile in the same language. Together we Celebrate all aspects of our Show. Come on along – enjoy, view and share this unique experience and Support your Show Committee.

It’s Family Time – It’s Show Time – It’s Community Time
Join this great family fun day of education, entertainment, information and participation.