Inverell Show To Be Free To All

15 January 2019

WHETHER it’s the ringside rodeo, demolition derby, sideshow alley or the eye-popping pavilion exhibits, the Inverell Show will be free to all this year thanks to the support of the Australian Government and Council.

The announcement was made official at the gates of the Showground earlier this week, with the organising committee meeting with Inverell Shire Council mayor Paul Harmon.

Both parties agree free entry will attract bumper crowds and gate numbers are expected to soar.

A buoyant Show Society president Jodie Burtenshaw says plans for the event to be held March 1-3 are very much on track.

“This grant funding is a big bonus. Not just to us but the community as well. The community supported us so well last year for our 150th show; it’s just tremendous we can give something back”.

Cr Harmon says the decision to allocate Drought Communities funding from the Federal Government to the Show Society was widely supported by his fellow councillors.

“I think it meets all the objectives the Drought Communities funding was initiated for – it relieves the pressure on our community across our shire and allows them to enjoy themselves and be a part of something where they’re not actually having to put their hand in their pocket”.

“It provides a free opportunity for all members of our shire – not just for those off the land but also the town people, who are doing it tough in this drought as well”.

Mr. Burtenshaw expects the drought conditions will impact some of the entries this year, however, the committee is hopeful fruit and vegetable exhibits will still flow in.

Long term committee member and Chief Steward Aileen Roberts agrees and says with free gate admission, families will have a few extra dollars to spend once they get in the gate.

Burtenshaw’s team also promises a strong contingent of amusements and rides, with some exciting announcements expected in the next few weeks.

“We’re encouraging locals to watch this space for some pretty exciting news. It will all be here, so come and enjoy”.

Mr. Burtenshaw acknowledges the support of Council and Drought Communities funding has been a shot in the arm of organisers, who at one stage tossed around the idea that the 2019 event may have to be cancelled.

“There’s a number of shows in the southern circuit which were forced to cancel but, it’s tremendous that Council actually helped us through with this.

“We’re hoping that more of the local businesses will take advantage of the opportunity this time to take an outdoor site or an indoor trade site to display their business as there’s going to be a lot more foot traffic”.

Details on how to enter event and competitions at the 2019 show can be found at the Inverell Show Society website and Facebook page.

Image: L-R Chief Steward Aileen Roberts, Mayor Paul Harmon, with Inverell Show Society’s Jodie Burtenshaw, Rhonda Brabant and Ashleigh Taylor.

For further information contact:
Fiona Adams | Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 | 02 6728 8288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au