Traditions were upheld and created and connections were made at this year’s Show, demonstrating once again the value it brings to our Valley. While the traditional weather predictions of blaring heat and thunderstorms was upheld, the skies went from blue to grey with a tease of lightning and the storms passed over as the Rodeo took to the arena.
Without effort, the theme of connections between generations emerged along with the respect for tradition, curiosity of story and openness to change. This was demonstrated in many ways as the show weekend rolled out.
Opening night
After a great Kid’s Day, Friday night became the Show’s opening night with the Opening Ceremony which included Welcome to Country and attendance by Fiona Phillips MP and Cr Tonia Gray. Together with Show President Stephen Wilson, they officially opened the Show and acknowledged Lorraine Mairinger OAM – Past President and Life Member of the Kangaroo Valley Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society – and the Junior Champions, Daisy Little showing her talents across many areas in Pavilion, Photography and Novelty competitions. Local opera soprano Lorina Gore concluded the ceremony with the National Anthem.
Dharawal Country
First Nations presence was the strongest yet, and based on visitors’ interest, this will continue to grow. On Friday, with the Australian and Indigenous flags flying together (another first), Gadhungal Marring’s Jacob and Bobbi’s Welcome to Country was a warm demonstration of history, community and working together respectfully. Bobbi walked the stands and shared native plant smoke while Jacob talked of caring for the land, language and traditions. We wish him luck and love as he heads to the prestigious St Andrew’s University in Edinburgh to consult on poetry and language too.
On Saturday the Dharawal Nation mob introduced song and local stories with a well-attended Corroboree and workshops through the Show. These will continue at the KV primary school this term. The younger members then went onto have a literally smashing time on the dodgems and through the Show.
The open air bush dance with band Paddy’s River was another welcome addition to the Friday night entertainment.
Whilst attendance and engagement at many of the other small shows is down, Kangaroo Valley entrants in all competitions exceeded expectations and some set records, which bodes well for the future of our Show. From the Pavilion, through Photography, Art, Poultry, Horses, and Cattle, Woodchop, Canoe Racing, Iron Man and Novelty competitions, Busking and Junior Talent quests and of course the Rodeo.
Saturday night saw the Grand Finale, the traditional Rodeo, with record entries, double those of 2023. Chris Bailey took out the Shoalhaven Open Bull Rider Championship. So many great rides with many champions in the making, exhibiting some brilliant riding. There truly was something for everyone.
The Paddock was bursting at the seams with fun for all ages, with SideShow Alley rides, a Climbing Wall, cows and Nigerian Dwarf Goats to milk, the petting zoo and the pool provided an opportunity to get out of the sun and get wet for all show goers on Saturday.
Say Cheese
It was Australia v Europe for the sold-out Cheese & Wine event on Friday night. ValleynCheesemakers curated the cheeses with the support of Flavours of Shoalhaven and Nowra Farmers Market, with wines by KV Fine Wines and Craft Ales.
After six cheeses and six accompanying wines, the consensus seemed that all were great but Australia was the winner on the night. For those who were unable to make it, the wines are available in store.
For the first time, the live cheese judging took place on Saturday and with a new judge, Michael Cains from Pakora Dairy. With a massive 94 entries, he had his work cut out not only tasting but explaining to the audience what he was looking for and his response as he went. The audience of competition entrants and novices were entertained and educated until the winners were announced.
Pam Swinfiled took out both awards, Most Outstanding Dairy for her Blue Cheese and Most Successful Overall Exhibitor. “It is a great honour to receive these awards given the impressive standard of cheese entries”, said Pam. “I’m so grateful to Kathy Harrington and Rosie Johnson, outstanding cheesemakers who work tirelessly and create so many memorable opportunities to showcase local cheeses and share their infectious passion.”
Kathy Harrington, wearing her steward and Vice-President hats, said “It was a very successful Show and I’m excited about what we can do in the future”.
One slight beef
For first time Beef Cattle Steward Brad Hawthorne, from Target Creek Farm, along with help from Sam Brewer, stated that there was only one thing he would do differently next year: “Bring more food for hungry teenagers!” With the junior judging for 2024 taking place in Robertson, it was fantastic to see three schools come to KV this early in the school year. Students from St Gregory’s, Chevalier and Frencham were well represented as they took the opportunity to compete at our Show as practice for the journey to the Royal. With 25+ years of experience, Alastair Rayner was judge and, while his expert eye was on the cattle, he gave invaluable feedback to the competitors about handling which will serve them well. Of his first show Brad said “I was delighted to take up the reigns this year and am extremely grateful to the stewards from the industry and volunteers who worked together to make it a really great show”
A Bull Walks Into a Bar
It was no joke on Thursday, Show eve, when Outback Stockman Lachie Cosser rode his bull into the front bar of The Friendly Inn. This has officially been claimed by Peter the publican as a tradition (but we will share that honour), and we have booked Lachie for 2025, keen to make the trek from his home in Longreach back down south. Having bought some KV Ducks to include in his show (somehow) and entered his three dogs (two Tassie Smithfields and one Kelpie) into the dog high jump, he said it was an “awesome Show – one of the best I’ve been to!”
Local school support
Starting another KV tradition, in addition to the landfill refuse collection they already do, the boys from Scots College Glengarry enthusiastically joined in the Show, running their pool gate sausage sizzle stand, complete with relishes from veggies and flowers they’d lovingly been growing. They raised a great amount of money (still counting it!) to go to the local KV primary school, which connects with the reading groups the two schools already run together
Shark Island filming
And it seemed everywhere there was action – Ian Darling’s crew were close at hand as they continue filming the Kangaroo Valley documentary. Ian was a popular inclusion in the Talk Tents, and Gudula Dornseifer drew this humble filmmaker out on his career and what it takes to capture a documentary story. When will the doco be finished, who will be the local stars and where will the red carpet be rolled out for the Grand Opening? Watch this space.
Julie Ward
A message from the President
I am so proud and grateful for the support of the Kangaroo Valley community – a small community with a big heart. That big heart was on full display throughout the two-day event with terrific attendances, record entries, outstanding performances and over-the-top happiness – bonhomie abounded. It was encouraging to see the number of young families attending our Show, as it is these people who are the future of the KV Show. The many positive comments and feedback were truly heartening. I am also grateful for the hundreds of volunteers and the sponsors who made the 137th KV Show possible. Onwards to the 138th KV Show.
Stephen Wilson
