Wow, what a year.  2024 Roma Show was an amazing event. The weather, the support and belief in the show by the region’s businesses and individuals by way of sponsorship, changes to how we operate and present our exhibits, and the wonderful work put in by the small number of committee and volunteers all came together to produce an amazing tapestry of produce, arts and crafts, livestock and displays.  In turn this years Roma Show recorded a record-breaking number of just over 10,000 patrons, even without the cattle and sheep.

Thanks to the increased support of businesses in the Maranoa region and beyond, we had a bustling and very full machinery alley/trade area.  This year, we combined the areas and changed the application form allowing traders to have a bigger role in where they wished to have their display.   A change in the set up meant that some areas were an unknown factor as to attracting customers. Some were very happy, some were not.  In these economic times parents and children are more discerning in their choices.  It will be interesting to see which areas are snapped up early next year.  Overall, having the area mapped out and marked out prior to the event, made it easier for the stewards and Itinerants.

  This year we also made an effort to provide lots of hands on or live demonstrations.   This worked very well, with not one complaint of the children or themselves being bored.  Santos through their sponsorship provided us with Stan the Sausage man and Fiona Flanders book reading and activities. Stan kept everyone entertained with his sausage making demonstrations and microwave cooking.  This tied into the Southwest Health Hub introducing their Family Health Ap” PodSquad” and Headspace with a drop in tent and activities. All free to us.

The Art and Photography section lost its stewards early on and were not replaced.  Last year’s photography steward stepped back into the role and luckily, we had the assistance this year of a lovely Redcliffe steward who with the help of volunteers over the several days leading up to the show, managed to pull these sections together.  The photography was amazing! Each year it seems to be getting better and better and is growing, however if we cannot get stewards, we are prepared to cancel that section for the year.  I am sure that the people of the Maranoa won’t let that happen.

 A special shout out to the amazing ladies in the pavilion running the cookery and handicraft sections.  The displays and exhibits were beautiful, and the sections ran like clockwork.  The power of a close working committee.

This year’s school display was one of the best I have seen.  It was bright, it was well set up and even though all the invited schools did not exhibit, it filled the space and drew everyone in to see.  Our school display shares the space with the Roma and District History Group and the Men’s Shed.  This was the second year that they have shared the space, and everyone was more prepared and contented.  It was an informative and enjoyable area of the show.

Both the working dogs and show dogs were again successful.  Unfortunately, we need a new steward as the visiting dog steward is unable to attend next year.  It would be sad to see this event disappear.  Personally, I would love to see someone start up a Kennel Club or a sub-section under the Show banner and provide events and outings for those registered Roma dogs. 

Despite our Farm and Garden Steward pulling out due to personal issues, the Redcliffe and Woodford ring-ins plus our ex-deputy mayor, who volunteered to help, the large Farm and Garden section went ahead.  Horticulture received a boost in entries compliments of the weather.  Although we were unable to give the pavilion the desired paint job, the area looked and smelled amazing.  Chief steward Helen was blessed with having her young daughter and friends act as stewards.  Provided with a day off school, the young girls were amazing and are already looking toward 2025.

The Scarecrow section is perhaps my favourite section. Unfortunately, the plan to have scarecrows displayed throughout town was changed due to a change in dates for workshop.  Never-the-less the afternoon of wine and creativity went really well.  I love that it is a bonding event and carried out in the spirit of having fun.  However, do not be fooled!!  Scarecrow building is a serious and highly competitive sport!!

The Poultry section was a little down on last year, but never-the-less but still filled many of the cages, the poultry section opened to the public on the Saturday and as always was extremely popular.

With the loss of over 20 stables this year due to structural changes at Bassett Park and the clash with the Darling Downs Interschool event, numbers were down in the main ring this year.  It is certainly hoped that those stables and more will be available in 2025 as we will continue to lose visitors. However, the quality of the entrants remains, and the smooth running by those ring volunteers is appreciated by all those attending.   We are fortunate to have some very valued and supportive sponsors. Steward Sharon makes every effort to show our appreciation through communication with and invitations to attend presentations and follow-up thank you letters or phone calls.

 Our announcer this year was well known coastal announcer Keith McRobert, whose knowledge of the show ring and competitors and judges makes for an informative event.  Mr McRobert was recently presented an award for his years of service to Agricultural Shows, at the Brisbane Royal Show.

Roma Showjumping was run over 3 days.  The Regional Inter-school event reduced the number of local and junior riders.  However, 49 riders competed on 117 horses.  483 first rounds of jumping were competed for over the 3 days.  We thank Steward Darcy for her input in her time in Roma. We also thank those sponsors who donated over $10,000 worth of prizemoney. Particularly Senex, whose “Senex Friday” has become a fixture on the showjumping circuit.  We also look forward to new jumps in 2025 courtesy of APLNG Grants and Maranoa Regional Council.

Paying for major acts for the main ring is very expensive and doesn’t always pay. We would like to find more attractions that draw the crowd to the Grandstand and events that are happening in the main ring, especially for the sake of major sponsors such as MGA.  Our night program is sadly lacking in those “can’t miss this” attractions. Roma is limited by the centre ring being used for 6 football games a year. This year our attractions were interspersed throughout the grounds. We looked for hands on, interactive displays and this proved a hit, but it would be great to have a person to co-ordinate simple events that cause hilarity or interest and get everyone involved.

Recycling clothes has become fashionable, and the Roma Show Fashion Parade has been ahead of times by using clothes and accessories from the local Op Shops.  Steward Biralee combines her dance group with clothing and creates vibrant and enjoyable experiences over several sessions of the two days of the show.

Following up a suggestion of previous President Puddy Chandler, we were able to obtain the services of grey nomads, while they were happy to volunteer, we gave them a donation to assist with fuel.  This saved us many thousands of dollars.  Likewise, the local volunteers on the gate again saved us a lot of money.  We have made some adjustments to ticketing to make it easier, but it is important that these volunteers are well versed in our procedures earlier to show day.  I would like to see in the future, electronic gates at least in the pedestrian gates.  These gates would be a valuable asset to all groups using Bassett Park.

Finding qualified judges ,continues to be a problem and I am working to build a list of judges for all sections and to share with other societies.  I would also like to find a passionate volunteer who would be able to co-ordinate and promote young judges for all sections.  Encouraging young people to steward and then develop skills to judge is vital to our future.  The cattle section does it well and other areas need to follow.  My personal desire is to see these classes throughout the Southwest Chamber shows.

Having experienced stewards from another shows, saved us this year, it would be great to have reciprocal agreements with other shows.  This would solve some problems and widen our knowledge, even if it is to be able to say, “we are getting it right!”  I thank those stewards who have once again stepped forward to take on the task of running a section. To those who are coming on board for the first time, welcome.  My suggestion is don’t go it alone, find a small group of friends or interested persons.  Talk to other stewards, talk to members of the executive, they’ve been there before and communicate, communicate, communicate!! 

Our new role of Show Organiser should reduce the load of the secretary.  Organise your sponsorship early but liaise with Mandy or our secretary to see that you are not “poaching” other stewards’ sponsors or approaching the same sponsors multiple times or in fact overlooking people who want to sponsor.   Sponsors are so important to our survival and the executive is constantly thinking of ways to return the support they give to us.

 I thank Mandy and Stephanie for the efforts to raise awareness and finances throughout the year with our various social events.  Mandy, your ability to organize these events is amazing.  Thank you. Stephanie, your input throughout the years has been awesome.  Your knowledge and skills in the Agricultural Show sector is something that I and members have appreciated.  I look forward to continue working with you as you nurture new executives in the future and remain part of our Roma Show team.  Sue-ellen, your role as Treasurer this year can proudly be added to your long Roma Show resume.  Thank you for your efficiency, your honesty and knowledge of the workings of this society.  

I am loath to mention names individually in case I miss out on someone, but full marks go to our executive this year.  Not only has it been a pleasure and fun to work with you all, but we have achieved much.  There are still things to complete but hopefully we are working in that direction.

2025 Roma Show preparations have begun and with the Stud Cattle back, the State Sheep Show in the offing and the foundations laid at this year’s show, it promises to be epic.  Please join with us to make Roma Show 2025 the best ever.