Erle Levey
It’s where town meets country and reflects on the heritage that has formed today’s vibrant Noosa community.
The two-day Noosa Country Show starts today, Friday, at the Pomona Showgrounds, which was the heart of Noosa for much of the past century.
The show is a long-standing country institution, with a mixture of ring events, displays, competitions, entertainment and, of course, food.
Noosa Show Society president Rob Graham said the event helps the younger generations understand where their food comes from, introduces everyone to the amazing craft skills of neighbours, and instills a true sense of community that brings everyone together.
The show reflects the changes that have taken place in Noosa over the past 114 years.
While agricultural and horticultural pursuits may have changed in time, the show highlights some of the traditions such as horses, cattle, wood-chopping, art and craft, poultry and cookery.
Emergency services will be the theme of this year’s show as an acknowledgement of what they do for both the coastal and rural areas.
Noosa Country Show president Rob Graham said whether it was bushfires or flooding, the ambulance, fire service, police and State Emergency Service were always there to help.
“This year we’ve had fires down in the coastal areas and Tewantin as well as up in the hinterland around Pomona,’’ he said.
“They come and help us all.’’
This tribute to emergency services is highlighted by the construction of the $250,000 emergency services evacuation centre at the Pomona Showgrounds, named the Iris Maher Donga in honour of her service to the community.
The building, with full kitchen and serving area, will be in addition to the Pomona School of Arts Hall.
The showgrounds are situated at Pomona as it was the administrative centre of Noosa for many years.
The Noosa Shire Council was established in 1910 and moved to its present location in Tewantin in 1980.
The town serviced local timber-getters, dairies and small-cropping farmers.
The show has been a local institution since 1909.
Horses, stud cattle and dog sections are popular every year, Rob Graham said, while the pavilion hosts arts and craft, cookery, horticulture, and fruit and veg sections which are perennial favourites.
“Wood chopping is always a feature,’’ Rob said, “and this year there will be chainsaw cutting as well as post splitting and selling them for charity.
“There will be the ABBA tribute band on Friday night then the rodeo and Uncle Bob’s Jug Band on Saturday night.
“Local schools will be singing throughout the day on Friday and Saturday.
“We love to see all of the school children get involved.’’
The show will be an opportunity to explain how the country feeds the coast and the city, where all our food comes from, Rob said. “Otherwise people don’t really see it any more.
“When we were kids, our grandparents were always on the farm and we could go to see what was going on.
“Now it’s up to the local agricultural shows to teach the children and families where all their food comes from.
“We’re hoping the weather is fine and this will be the big show that we always have.
“I’ll be around, wearing the Akubra hat and a tie most of the time.’’
Lovable Mutley, the children’s pet dog competition is back this year. There will also be an animal farm, snake and crocodile shows plus chainsaw art.
Friday evening will feature KW Trick Riding, Aerial Dreaming Circus School and Skylighter Fireworks, followed by Super Trouper ABBA Tribute.
Saturday stage entertainment comprises Steve Graham Guitarist, Those Folk and Mo Swagger.
Saturday evening will see the Honky Tonk Rodeo on the new grounds, followed by Uncle Bob’s Jug Band.
The Noosa Show Society committee has gone above and beyond to create a brand new surface for the rodeo, plus amphitheatre-style seating and new steel yards.
Friday 8 September, is a public holiday in the Noosa Shire.
Gates open to the public at 8am Friday and Saturday 8-9 September.
