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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-10-28 Daily Xml
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Mount Gambier Show

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (15:23): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister please provide the council with an update on her recent visit to the 2025 Mount Gambier Show?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:23): I thank the honourable member for his question. Over the weekend, or Friday and Saturday, I was delighted to be able to attend the Mount Gambier Show, which also happens to be my local show and is one of a number of regional agricultural shows that I attend each year. The Mount Gambier Show is a great example of the community spirit of our agricultural communities across South Australia. It was established back in 1860.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Attorney!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: The Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society held the very first Mount Gambier Show back in 1861—

The Hon. R.B. Martin interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Martin!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: —making it one of the longest running regional shows in South Australia. I am told, however, that apparently the very first Mount Gambier Show was disastrous, nearly preventing the annual show from getting off the ground. Heavy rain in spring in 1861 prevented the festive mood, with the show held in a muddy paddock and having low attendance numbers, but the Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society persevered and, critically, made some location changes, which helped attendance numbers.

Before long, the show became a large affair, with locals and residents of surrounding areas, including Millicent and Beachport, flocking to Mount Gambier to attend the show, back in those days, of course, all wearing their Sunday best. Originally there were two shows, held in spring and autumn, but with the spring show being more popular, the autumn show was eventually phased out.

I would like to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the Mount Gambier Show over the years for it to become the successful and much-loved event that it is today. Friday's weather was quite fine and, despite the rain and chilly weather somewhat on Saturday, the show was an enormous success. Usually around 10,000 people attend the show from South Australia and across the border in Victoria. The main features include the trade exhibits, beef and dairy cattle, horses, sheep, yard dog trials, wood chopping, budgerigars and the poultry show. The show is continually evolving and adding new features and entertainment.

This year, there were 38 free activities included in the ticket to the show, enabling a fun day out for families. Importantly, the Agricultural Learning Centre program, run by local high school students, offered a hands-on farming, animal and agricultural experience, helping children learn about agriculture through both static and interactive exhibits, presentations and activities. I think getting young people interested and involved in farming and food production is key to ensuring the future success of agriculture in South Australia.

Shows such as the Mount Gambier Show play a key role in engaging people in agriculture and help people to reflect on where our food and fibre come from. The Mount Gambier Show provides a reminder of how important agriculture is to South Australia and that South Australian farmers produce the high-quality food and fibre that our state is world renowned for. In addition, country shows bring the community together, strengthen local pride and provide an opportunity for regional residents to enjoy the creativity and talent of the people in their local community.

The Limestone Coast is home to a diverse agricultural industry, supported by usually high rainfall and fertile soils along with underground water resources. Our key products include premium wines from many local regions, with Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully being particularly well known, as well as beef and grains. We are also home to a large percentage of the state's dairy cattle. Of course, the state's forest and timber industry in the Limestone Coast is Australia's leading producer of wood products for domestic use.

Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast have a lot to be proud of, and the show is a perfect way to put our incredible products on display. Congratulations to everyone who helped to put together this year's Mount Gambier Show, making it a fantastic weekend for all.

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