The Kiama Show Society held its AGM at the Kiama Leagues Club on May 11.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After three years as president, Michael Brennan handed over the reins to incoming president David Barnes.
While Neil McLaren was elected as junior vice-president.
Mr Barnes has worked at universities and in the private sector, as an engineer specialising in the provision of water and sewerage services in Australia and the Asia pacific Region.
Mr Barnes and his wife Barbara have been involved with the Kiama Show since moving to Kiama in 2001.
He began volunteering as part of the working bees that set up each show and resetting horse jumps for the showjumping.
For the past few years he has been the chief ground steward – responsible for activities on the showground during the two days of the show every January.
In accepting the nomination, Mr Barnes recognised the long tradition of Kiama Show Society dating back to 1848 and highlighted some of the challenges, including the changing demographics of the Kiama district and the need to make the show attractive and relevant to both locals and visitors.
“It will be necessary for Kiama Show to evolve as it has over its long history,” he said.
“Initiatives will include organising the first Kiama Artisan Food Festival, to be held on August 11-12, to showcase local small scale producers and demonstrate artisan scale skills.”
For the show to be held on January 25-26, 2019 there will be a few innovations, including the inaugural Kiama Billy Cart F1 Race, opportunities to dunk local celebrities, plus a range of entertainment options are being considered to enhance the evening attractions.
The agricultural, horticultural and rural skills aspects of the show remain an opportunity to demonstrate local heritage and expertise with the volunteers at Kiama Show Society providing one of the great local community events.