Motion on the importance of Country Shows

Mr FATCHEN (Mount Gambier) (12:18): I, too, would like to rise in support of the Leader of the Opposition and member for Schubert's motion recognising the importance and contribution of country agricultural and horticultural shows across South Australia. Country shows are a wonderful part of life in regional communities, and in my electorate we are fortunate to have two much-loved events, the Mount Gambier Show and the Mil-Lel Show. Both of these are coming up in October, with the Mil-Lel Show on 10 October and the Mount Gambier Show on 23 and 24 October.

For generations, these shows have brought our communities together. They showcase our agricultural industries, provide opportunities for local producers and exhibitors, support business and community organisations and, importantly, give families an opportunity to simply come together and enjoy themselves.

For me, the Mount Gambier Show also holds plenty of personal memories. Growing up in Mount Gambier, the show was an annual family event. Every year, my parents would take my siblings and I along. It was kind of good: we used to sneak out of school on Friday, at the envy of all my schoolmates, and spend the afternoon at the show on the Friday as well as on the Saturday. The animals were always a highlight for me, although I suspect the show bags and show rides probably featured fairly highly as well.

As I got older, my involvement changed. While I was a student at Tenison Woods College, I studied ag science and became involved in some of the agricultural competitions. One year I was involved in leading a steer that the school had reared and basically showed that, and another year I helped out in the showjumping arena, just helping out with the horses and the like. Like other members in this place, I, too, had a stint entering some woodwork that I had made at school. I think I was around 13 years of age at the time, and I entered a wooden log truck that I had made. It did take me three years of entering different exhibits, but eventually that log truck came home with first prize. I am not sure whether it says more about my persistence or the quality of the competition that year, but I was certainly proud of it.

Those memories demonstrate something important about country shows. They are not simply entertainment. They give young people an opportunity to participate, learn new skills, display something they have worked hard to produce and take pride in their achievements. For some young people, it might be showing cattle or sheep; for others, it is horses, showjumping, cooking, photography, gardening, art, craft or woodwork. Behind every one of those competitions are volunteers giving their time to make it possible.

The Mount Gambier Show has been part of our community for the past 166 years and continues to be one of the major events on our local calendar. The same is true for the Mil-Lel Show, which I think is in about its 80th year. That also has strong history and character and remains a wonderful example of community coming together. Mil-Lel might be a smaller show, but that is part of what makes it special. It has a genuine country show atmosphere, where local families, exhibitors, volunteers and visitors all come together for a great day out.

My office assists the Mil-Lel Show with its program each year, and apparently my contribution is not going to end there. My staff have informed me that I will also be entering the yo-yo biscuit competition. I am not entirely sure whether I was consulted before that decision, but I understand my participation is now expected, so I had better start practising. Maybe I should get some tips from the member for Chaffey, as he is an expert jam maker.

While there is plenty of fun associated with our shows, we should not underestimate their broader importance. Agricultural shows provide an important connection between our primary producers and the wider community. They give people, particularly children and young people, the opportunity to see animals up close, learn about agriculture and better understand where our food and fibre come from. They also bring visitors into our communities, support local businesses and provide an important fundraising opportunity for many of the local community organisations.

But none of this happens by accident. Behind every successful country show is a committee and an army of volunteers who spend months planning and preparing. There are exhibitors, judges, stewards, sponsors, local businesses and community groups who all contribute. Many of these people have been involved for years, and in some cases generations of the same family have volunteered to keep their local shows going. That commitment deserves to be recognised.

Our country shows reflect so much of what is good about regional South Australia: community spirit, volunteering, agriculture, competition, tradition and people willing to roll their sleeves up and get involved. I am very proud that the Mount Gambier and Mil-Lel shows continue to play such an important role in my electorate. I thank their committees, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors and everyone else who contributes to their success each year, and I look forward to seeing both of these shows continuing to thrive for many generations to come. I commend the motion to the house.