KIAMA Show Society's new president has more than 50 years of history with the event, and hopes to ensure its legacy remains intact.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jamberoo resident Michael Brennan, who has been on the show society committee for nearly 40 years, was named the new president at the recent Kiama Show Society's 2015 Annual General Meeting.
The 62-year-old had a previous stint as president during the early 2000s, and is involved with other shows throughout the state.
"I'm a fourth generation farmer, so I think it's important," he said.
As a youngster, Mr Brennan said his family "weren't show people" but he became associated with the show as an 11-year-old. He then developed a love for the show when working for a neighbour, .
"It's [Kiama] my local show, so that's special," he said. "I enjoy every aspect of the show, it's a real family show.
"It was a very strong cattle show. That's starting to become a challenge with dairy farmer numbers quite low now.
"That will be one of the challenges, to keep the dairy for years to come; to keep dairy cattle as a part of the show."
Mr Brennan said he was excited to lead the organisation again, as the show marks its 168th year in 2016.
He said he wanted to keep agriculture at the forefront of the municipality.
"There's not a lot of show societies that are that old," he said. "I'm looking forward to taking it into the future, and working with the committee.
"It's a team effort."
Outgoing president David Young said he planned to stay involved with the committee, as there was still much to be done.
Mr Young had the position for three years, and said one of the highlights was winning a gold award at last year's South Coast Tourism Awards.
Mr Young said the society was undertaking a review of all operations, including financial, communication with the community and sponsorship. He said they would also seek to engage further with the community, including fine-tuning and potentially expanding the recently introduced community stage at the show.
Vic East and wife Leslie were also honoured at the AGM, with Mr East retiring as society treasurer after 20 years in the role. He received a life membership.
■To join the committee visit the kiamashow.com.au