While the focus of the KVAHA is the annual show, it’s a committee that gathers monthly with subcommittees meeting more regularly about their areas of expertise. Additionally, our Executive are keeping abreast of our governance and our role within the broader AgShows NSW group of which we are a member, Group 5. We are hosting the next Group 5 meeting in our KV Hall with delegates from all show societies in the region attending.
We wanted to use this space to keep the community updated on what’s developing month-to-month but first…
A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT (Stephen Wilson)
Yes, it was a chilly night but those of us able to represent did so with the usual vim and vigour.
There is a regular discussion within the KV community regarding the Friday Public Holiday for the KV Show. This issue has been on the agenda for a few months now and there has been a healthy debate within the committee, with input from various members of the community. We also invited Jen Arnott to the May meeting to hear her balanced thoughts on the topic while also sharing her thoughts on furthering our engagement (see below). In addition, for the first time, we had data from a survey we conducted following this year’s show (see below). Last night, we voted on this issue and it was deemed that tradition should be upheld and the Public Holiday should remain for 2025. Following the vote, I mentioned that this issue should be one we regularly visit, as the community changes and our KV Show further develops.
Much has been said and written regarding our KV community with the ‘big heart’ putting on a great Show. We want to heighten the engagement with our community and introduce some new initiatives in doing so. I am very glad to have Julie Ward take on the new committee role of Communications and Community Engagement. Julie is highly experienced in this area and will bring many fresh ideas.
And speaking of community involvement, we have our AGM on Monday the 15th of July at 7pm in the KV Hall. The community is invited to attend and hear reports and raise show matters with the committee present. Furthermore, please don’t hesitate to join the committee for we are constantly looking to invite new and fresh thinking and skills to our group from ALL age groups.
POST-SHOW SURVEY
A few months ago, we asked for feedback on the Show via an online survey. We were delighted with the number of respondents and thank you all for your time and considered response. Some interesting statistics showed that this is very much a community event and that reinforcement has helped steer some decision making for next year’s Show and the future planning of the KVAHA. In summary, of the respondents:-
- 61% lived in Kangaroo Valley
- 80% of those who don’t live in KV came especially for the Show
- 60% bought a Membership ticket
- 65.1% supported the Public Holiday – 17.1% Didn’t – 17.8% didn’t have an opinion
- 59.7% didn’t enter any competitions
- 56.6% gave a 5 Star rating overall
- 78.8% gave a 5 star rating for the free Pool entry
There was largely positive feedback across the board and gave food for thought on the further development of some key areas including entertainment, food, kids scheduling, side show alley and engagement in competitions.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
We are looking to update/consolidate our membership database ahead of the proposed launch of our annual members’ program, a new initiative to acknowledge that the community and lifestyle that underpins the KVAHA charter is not just for one weekend in February. It would help enormously if you could email us membership@kangaroovalleyshow.org.au with the names, DOB and email addresses of yours and family members.
KVPS
Jen Arnott (Relieving Principal) kindly joined our May meeting to discuss the potential expansion of Friday, Kid’s Day. It was heartening to know that an estimated 75% of students attended the show and that the majority of teachers put their hands up as volunteers. Thank you.
Jen proposed and we welcomed working closely together with a representative attending meetings in the lead up to build a program that would see the students commence their Show projects in the third term.
This connection will help build our Young Members program, which we anticipate launching for the 2025 Show.
IRENE DUNN
Our Chief Pavilion Steward, Irene Dunn, was recently nominated for the 2024 AgShows NSW Dedication Award. Although unsuccessful on this occasion, Irene was recognised for her outstanding work in the Agricultural Show domain. Congratulations, Irene.
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GRANTS FOR PROJECTS
Our Vice President, Kathy Harrington, has taken on the role of searching for possible grants/funding, in order to enable improvements at our beautiful showgrounds. Quite often such improvements are beyond the SCC funds and thus we need to look further afield. We would welcome any ideas you might have for projects for the committee to consider and, as appropriate, seek possible funding.
FEATURE WITH PICS
THE QUEST FOR EQUESTRIAN
Deb Banks from Kangaroo Valley Horses has joined our committee, welcomed by Lorraine and Sharon, to share her immense knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for all things equine.
Having been a Steward for the show and Mum to daughter Faith who, pictured, starting competing at age 4 and is now 17, Deb has watched the landscape change in recent years.
“In my opinion, the KV Show is one of the best for riders, it’s a beautiful family show but the number of entrants in our Equestrian events has declined over the last few years,” said Deb.
The impact of our two-year hiatus due to fires, floods and Covid was felt across the board at the Show, and, for events like Equestrian, simply getting into our valley has been a challenge. Adding to that the cost of living crisis and the cost of the sport itself, it’s not surprising that tough decisions are made by competitors.
“We are seeing other local Shows with higher prize money and that plays into the choices riders make when choosing to compete. Understandably, as prize money definitely helps towards recovering costs and we would like to do something about it.”
To build the generous prize pool contributed by long-standing patrons, Deb has created a fundraising event the KV Expedition Ride which will see around 12 riders embark on a 3-day trek traversing creeks, through open farmland and conquering Mount Scanzi on their expedition to the Kangaroo Valley Showground where they will stay before returning to base.
“We’re asking people to get behind our riders who are heading out on the 5th of July to fundraise for their love of our sport and the KV Show,” says Deb, adding “It really is a beautiful community show, with such a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We always start our first-time competitors at this Show. We see tiny tots, right through to 70-year-olds who are ticking off bucket lists starting out at the show and of course our local Olympians like Shane Rose.”
Support is welcome on any level with more information available via this link:
