TAMWORTH has much to proud of.
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We need only look to the local agriculture sector to realise what an asset the industry is to the region.
We are the food bowl of Australia, and it’s a title we’ve earned with pride.
But without younger generations investing time and education into agriculture, that title is at risk.
Country shows play an invaluable role in celebrating local successes in the agriculture industry.
We have cattle judging, sheep displays, dog trials and wool competitions, stretching back some 144 years in Tamworth.
But as much as it is about celebrating and recognising the hard work of local people, it is also about encouraging younger generations to learn about the historical significance of agriculture and country shows.
The 2017 Tamworth Show was one of the biggest in recent years – and for good reason.
Organisers invited school kids from across the region to the opening day of the show on Friday to give them an opportunity to participate in the show.
Kids are the future of the show.
A country show brings together the community – from out-of-town graziers and farmers to the city folk interested to learn more about their country cousins.
There is something for everyone at most country shows.
Showbags and rides, Pluto pups and fairy floss are fairly synonymous with most country shows, but Tamworth’s also has a strong emphasis on agriculture.
Organisers must be applauded for engaging with local kids to help ensure the future of the show.
The two-day show over the weekend marked the final one held at Tamworth Showground.
It was encouraging to see it so well-supported as it moves into a new home at AELEC in September next year.
It may be the end of an era, but it’s the start of an exciting new chapter.
Organisers are now calling on more local people to throw their hat into the ring and get involved with one of the city’s largest community events.
Let us help future-proof our agricultural heritage by supporting the local show.
Without the tireless work of volunteers, the show will not go on.
The new site at AELEC is first-class and has so much potential when it comes to staging a successful show.