Gawler Show Society

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural and Floricultural Society, also fondly known as the Gawler Show Society, on achieving its remarkable milestone of 170th anniversary in 2024;

2. Recognises that the Gawler Show Society was first established in 1854 to provide a meeting place for the people of the agricultural district to trade and celebrate the crop, sheep and pastoral strengths of the region and today incorporates educational elements to ensure the history and integrity of agricultural shows is maintained and embraced by future generations;

3. Notes that the Gawler Show is Gawler's key tourism event, attracting more than 30,000 people each year and remains the largest regional show in South Australia;

4. Acknowledges that the Gawler Show Society is an active not-for-profit community-based organisation which reinvested over $75,000 into the local community over the last five years; and

5. Commends the president, management committee, society staff, patrons, life members and hundreds of volunteers for their hard work and dedicated efforts in providing outstanding services and hosting a world-class agriculture and entertainment show each year.

(Continued from 25 September 2024.)

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (17:48): I am sure that it will come as no surprise that I rise today to offer my support for this motion celebrating a much-loved country show. The Gawler Show, as it is known to most, is South Australia's largest regional show. The Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural and Floricultural Society has a rich history rooted in supporting agricultural achievements and community engagement in the town of Gawler and the surrounding district. Since its inception, it has grown substantially in both size and prominence.

Established in 1854, the show initially served as a hub for the agricultural community in the Gawler region through both the good years and the challenging years. The primary aim was, and remains, to provide townspeople with a venue to gather, to celebrate and to engage in trade. The society's first event showcased the region's strengths in crop production, sheep rearing and other pastoral activities.

The founding committee comprised esteemed local figures, including several town council members, who recognised the value of hosting a significant festival for the area. Over the years, the society has expanded, attracting a growing number of competition participants and attendees, which has increased its influence and popularity not only within the Gawler community but across much of the state.

Today, the Gawler Show is Gawler's premier tourist event, drawing over 30,000 attendees for a weekend of entertainment, local food and good fun. Supported by a dedicated volunteer team, the Gawler Show has become a testament to the spirit and values of country life, continuing to grow in strength and popularity.

I would wager, Mr President, that when the first show of the Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural and Floricultural Society was planned they would never have imagined that 170 years later there would be an entertainment card with the likes of Lil'Star K-Pop Dance Group or rock band Heatwave performing on a commercially sponsored main stage. More familiar, and a tradition which continues to this day, would be the grand parade of livestock and the choir performance of local schools.

Like all country shows, agriculture continues to play a major role in Gawler. It is an area which I know the society's committee promotes heavily and spends a deal of energy on engaging agribusinesses to become involved in ag-learning programs. This is important for succession planning in the sector and encouraging a new generation to get involved in our state's food and fibre production.

The onsite Agriculture Learning Centre is mostly coordinated by local high school students and teachers who volunteer their time, and I just want to congratulate all of those people involved. Also big congratulations to the society president, Isaiah Tesselaar, who I met last year at the Country Shows Australian Conference, and his entire team of helpers. They have one of the strongest country show volunteer committees in the state and have earned every right to be proud of their efforts.

My family and I have been to the Gawler Show held at the showground on Nixon Terrace several times. We love the atmosphere of a country show and exploring the best that regional South Australia has to offer. My kids and I love viewing the entries for the competitions in arts, handcrafts, food and preserves, even spotting the entries in the past from my blue ribbon winning colleague the member for Chaffey, Mr Tim Whetstone. We love the show rides and show bags, the market stalls, the activities, the entertainment and so much more.

Once again, big congratulations to the Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural and Floricultural Society for their 170^th anniversary, and I commend this motion to the chamber.

The Hon. S.L. GAME (17:52): I rise to add my support to the honourable member's motion congratulating the Gawler Show Society on the occasion of its 170^th anniversary. As mentioned, the Gawler Show is a major and much-loved event for the local community, attracting massive numbers and being regarded as the state's largest regional show.

This not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organisation does an amazing job staging this event each year, as my office witnessed firsthand last month when we attended the 2024 show. My friendly team members gave away 1,500 balloons and 300 colouring in competitions at this year's Gawler Show and were blown away with the event itself.

In addition, we enjoyed plenty of worthwhile conversations and gleaned some important, hyper-local information from attendees. I too congratulate the show on its history of philanthropic endeavours and its important educational role. Rising insurance costs in particular are threatening the sustainability of some country shows, and I look forward to learning more about these challenges and exploring ways that we, as a parliament, can help address this situation.

In the meantime, congratulations to all involved in the Gawler Show, and we look forward to you celebrating your next milestone with a similarly strong and successful event.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Come on, conclude the debate.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (17:53): I would like to thank the Hon. Nicola Centofanti, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, the shadow minister for primary industries and regional development, for her passionate advocacy and a great supporter of the Gawler Show and of all things country, of course. She has shared her stories and she is doing a marvellous job.

I would also like to thank the Hon. Sarah Game for her contribution. Both contributions were excellent, and so with those remarks, thank you for your support and I commend the motion.

Motion carried.