By Dominique Tassell
Rising rates of Omicron infection have caused upcoming agriculture shows to take drastic action, with at least one cancelled while others postpone.
The Stanthorpe Show, the first 2022 show in the state, announced late last week that they would be postponing.
The Stanthorpe Agricultural Society posted to Facebook announcing the change.
Show President, Brett “Boaty” Boatfield, wrote that “this has not been an easy decision for me, and members of the general committee”.
He stated that a number of factors were considered when making the decision, the main one being the health and safety of the volunteers, exhibitors, stall holders and attendees.
He then stated that the financial implications were another major factor, and what may happen if the show was forced to cancel at the last minute.
“I must emphasise that we are just postponing the show,” Brett wrote in his statement. “We are looking at all options that are available to us to continue this great tradition at a later date.”
He stated that while the Stanthorpe Show normally kicks off the show season, the event will be great no matter what time of the year it is held.
The show will discuss the options available to them with Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Shows, the Showmen’s Guild, sponsors, and other key stakeholders in relation to a suitable alternative date.
He confirmed that the Society will provide further advice about options and dates as the information becomes available.
“Let us get through this current change in the health of our state and come out the other side healthier and ready to party at the show.”
Next to announce action was the Allora Show, which sadly decided to cancel.
In a press release, The Management Committee of the Allora Show Society stated they have done “everything in its power, in the hope that the 2022 Allora Show would continue as it has done for the past 144 years”.
They stated that the community has been relatively lucky so far, remaining untouched by “the ‘beast’ that has been called ‘Covid’”.
The Show Society stated that after a number of Management Committee Meetings, and with recent developments and predictions in mind, it has been decided to cancel the 2022 Allora Show.
“This decision hasn’t been made lightly and is very disappointing for all the remarkable volunteers who have been working tirelessly to prepare the Showgrounds for its signature event.”
The release stated that the Committee feels an obligation to keep safe the volunteers who make the show possible.
“In light of the present outbreaks in our district, the number of cases increasing daily, and the peak of the current wave predicted to be at the time of the Show, it has been decided that the risk to our Community was far too great to proceed.
“The impact of one positive case within a family would have serious implications for them, including possible health issues and disruption to work commitments.”
The Management Committee stated that the decision is a risk-based approach regarding an assessment of the effects of our community.
“Whilst it is acknowledged by authorities that Covid will continue to spread, the aim is to slow the spread to enable medical capabilities to manage along with minimising impact on local businesses.
“The Allora Show Society is not an authority to ‘challenge’ or try and ‘get around’ Queensland Health requirements; nor do we wish to impose those consequences on our community.
“The society is not in favour of providing a ‘super spreader’ event which may result in an amplified detrimental effect on our community whether it be by illness or requirements to isolate.
They stated that the Bull Ride will be postponed to a date later in the year, and the showgrounds are open for use and will welcome groups “who wish to hold practicable sized events during these times”.
The Killarney Show then announced on Monday 10 January that they would be postponing their show.
The committee stated online that “many factors were considered when making this decision, first and foremost, our responsibility to the health and safety of our community, members, volunteers and supporters”.
“The management committee believe that, given the current situation, this is in the best interest of all.”
The committee stated that they have been extremely fortunate to have been able to hold the show for the last two years.
Given the society’s inability to hold regular events over the last two years, the committee stated the financial impacts of a last-minute cancellation would not be something the society could justify.
The committee is still planning to hold the show, which will be the 110th Killarney Show, later in the year when they have been advised by the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Shows of a new date.
“Due to the uncertainty of the times this may not be known for a few weeks or even months,” the committee stated.
The committee thanked all the volunteers who have contributed to this year’s show, and their sponsors for their support.
“We look forward to celebrating our community, entrants and exhibits at our 110th Show.
“Until we see you again, please stay safe and healthy.”
At the time of print, the Clifton Show Society has not made any announcements regarding their show on 11-13 February.
The Warwick Rodeo & Show Society has also not made any announcements, though their show is scheduled for 18-20 March.
Southern Downs Regional Council confirmed that the public holidays for the shows will still go ahead.
Public holidays will be observed on 28 January for the postponed Stanthorpe Show, on 4 February for the cancelled Allora Show, and on 18 February for the postponed Killarney Show.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) confirmed earlier this week that the Great Australian Bites event has been cancelled.
SDRC CEO Dave Burges confirmed that State Government funding for the event has been cancelled and will not be applicable to any similar event held this year.
The SDRC funding used for the event will go towards another event later in the year.
SDRC also stated that Australia Day ceremonies will go ahead, but any associated “festivities” will be cancelled.
Apple and Grape Festival President, Russell Wantling, posted online stating that they had received an influx of calls asking about the state of the event.
He stated they appreciated all the phone calls of support and concern in relation to the festival
“At this stage the Festival is all systems go. We are still eight weeks out from the main weekend so we are hopeful time is on our side.”
Russell stated that “an event of this magnitude has a lot of moving parts and so many businesses and organisations involved, so the directors and myself will continue to work towards an outcome that is the best and safest scenario for all”.
He stated they will review the situation at the beginning of February and will keep everyone informed of any changes.
“Let’s stay positive and if we continue to work together I am sure we will make it through these trying times.”
