Narrabri Show will go ahead in 2015, after a last ditch attempt to appoint an executive committee was successful.
There had been fears that the Show would lapse for want of a president and secretary, but last night a committee of eight was elected and immediately began planning for next year.
The Narrabri Show Society’s close call clearly caused a degree of panic within the community, with around 30 people attending the emergency meeting, filling the secretary’s office and spilling out onto the grandstand.
Six women and two men, several of whom have no prior experience in a committee position, accepted the challenge of running one of the North West’s biggest agricultural shows.
Cheryl Pawley took on the role of President, backed up by a strong contingent of Vice Presidents in Rebecca Cope, Christoph Nagele, Emma Partridge and Allan Goode.
Annie Moody was elected Secretary, and Rebecca Newberry is to be the Treasurer.
Cheryl Pawley’s goal as President for 2015 is to ensure the event stays strong for many years to come
“I don’t want to see it die, it’s as simple as that, the show is something that’s always been here and the community needs to get behind it, more so than what they have done,” she said.
During her time as president she hopes to cultivate a younger generation of committee members.
“I think having vice positions is a good idea, that’s where you learn, you bring that younger group up behind you and it’s a chance to find out whether they’re suited to the role,” she said.
“But if you’re really passionate about the community and the agricultural show, and getting the rest of the community involved then it’s something you will enjoy.”
Mrs Pawley hopes to drum up support within the community, and has already approached the Chamber of Commerce with a view to strengthening the show’s capacity to promote local businesses.
“Its not just about agriculture, it’s about the whole community, including our new industries like mining and coal seam gas.”
The Executive Committee will now begin regular monthly meetings to plan all aspects of the coming show.