Country Shows and Field Days

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. N.J. Centofanti:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges the commencement of the spring season of country shows and field days across South Australia, following one of the most difficult seasons in recent memory for many regional communities;

2. Recognises that field days provide an essential forum for industry engagement, innovation, and networking, and that country shows highlight community spirit, showcase regional excellence, and foster friendly competition;

3. Notes that both country shows and field days are important in supporting regional families, strengthening local communities, and attracting visitors and tourists to our state; and

4. Commends the dedication and contribution of volunteers, organisers, exhibitors, and participants—including Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of South Australia, Country Shows SA, and the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia—whose efforts ensure the success of these iconic events year after year.

(Continued from 15 October 2025.)

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:55): I rise today to speak in support of this motion moved by the Hon. Nicola Centofanti to recognise the importance of country shows and field days to our regional communities. These events are a vital part of regional life that matter deeply to the families, businesses and communities who live and work in our regions, especially after one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory.

For many, these shows and field days are welcome opportunities to reconnect, celebrate resilience and look forward with optimism. Country shows are a true showcase of community spirit and regional excellence. They bring together families, schools, service clubs and sporting groups, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the character and pride of our regions. These events combine entertainment with education, offering hands-on experiences that teach the next generation about agriculture, food production and rural life.

Interactive exhibits such as the Agricultural Learning Centre, Bugs n Slugs and animal demonstrations help visitors understand the farm-to-table journey. Competitions like the Young Farmer Challenge and programs such as the Rural Ambassador initiative highlight the skills and leadership of young people in agriculture, ensuring these traditions remain strong for future generations.

Field days are essential forums for industry engagement and innovation. They provide farmers and agribusinesses with direct access to the latest machinery, technology and practices, tools that help them remain competitive and sustainable. Events like the Yorke Peninsula Field Days, which attract tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, inject millions into local economies and create opportunities for knowledge sharing and partnerships. These gatherings are not simply trade expos: they are incubators for ideas and a chance for the next generation of farmers to see what their future might look like.

Both country shows and field days play a vital role in supporting regional families and strengthening local communities. They attract visitors and tourists, driving economic activity and showcasing the best of South Australia. At a time when many regional communities are still grappling with the impacts of drought, rising costs and environmental challenges, these events offer hope and connection. They remind us that while the challenges are real, so too is the resilience and resourcefulness of country South Australians.

None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers, organisers, exhibitors and participants. At the Gawler Show, for example, hundreds of volunteers donate their time and skills, whether running gates or car parking, coordinating the Agricultural Learning Centre or supporting competitions like the Young Farmer Challenge. Local service clubs, CWA branches and sporting groups work side by side with agricultural societies to make these events happen. Programs such as the Rural Ambassador initiative and Youth Team encourage young people to take leadership roles, while skilled volunteers like blacksmiths and wool handlers share traditional knowledge with new generations.

The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of South Australia, Country Shows SA and the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia provide strong leadership and resources, but it is the passion of individuals—students managing educational programs, community members setting up stalls and families working behind the scenes—that ensures success year after year. Country shows and field days are traditions that strengthen our communities, celebrate our heritage and drive innovation in agriculture. They embody the spirit of South Australia and remind us every single day about the resilience, strength and generosity of our regional people. With those remarks, I strongly support the motion.

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (16:00): I rise to speak in support of the honourable member's motion, which recognises the start of the spring season of country shows and field days across South Australia. I thank the member for acknowledging this longstanding annual tradition for our regional communities. Our regions have endured another challenging season, from unpredictable weather patterns to rising production costs, market uncertainty and the ongoing impacts of weather variability threatening crops. However, South Australian farmers and primary producers continue to respond with resilience, resourcefulness and optimism.

Today more than ever, our country shows and field days are essential forums for innovation, industry engagement and the exchange of ideas. They provide an important opportunity to showcase the best of what is emerging within agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, livestock and rural industries. Importantly, country shows tell a powerful story of community. They highlight the creativity, skill and pride of country towns and offer a space where families, neighbours, local businesses and visitors can gather.

These country events generate economic and social benefits; they support regional families and provide important opportunities for small enterprises and local producers. They highlight our townships, boosting visitor numbers and contributing to the broader tourism economy. None of this would be possible without the extraordinary contribution of countless people behind the scenes—the organisers who work year round to deliver these events and the volunteers who dedicate so much of their time, often across generations. We are very grateful for their contribution.

As the warmer months unfold and country shows and field days take centrestage across our regions, it is an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges faced by those who live and work outside our cities and to thank our regional communities for their contributions to our state. On behalf of the Labour Malinauskas government, I commend this motion and extend my appreciation to everyone who continues to support, organise and participate in South Australia's country shows and field days.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (16:01): I would like to thank those who have contributed to today's motion, and I thank them for their support: the Hon. Jing Lee and the Hon. Reggie Martin. The spring season of country shows and field days across South Australia was an absolute blast this year, and I am glad I got along to so many regions. As has been put so well in this chamber, country shows and field days are critical for regional communities. They bring people together, they showcase local talent, they drive economic activity and strengthen the social fabric of rural South Australia. I encourage everyone in this chamber to consider getting along to the autumn shows next year and continue their support for our regional communities. With that, I commend the motion to the chamber.

Motion carried.