By JONATHON HOWARD
THE Noosa Country Show has been hailed the biggest and best on record following a return to the traditional show formula at the weekend.
The show committee has been praised for bringing back some of the quality and charm to one of Queensland’s oldest country shows.
But it was not a smooth road by any means and Noosa Show Society vice-president Perene Barker has revealed a secret struggle behind the scenes with the former show committee.
“Our past two shows, in 2012 and 2013, did not meet the community expectations after too many unnecessary cutbacks and negative changes,” Ms Barker said.
“But we threw out most of the old committee and brought back a lot of the old traditions and show elements that were loved by residents.
“The result was one of the biggest and best shows we’ve ever had, including beating our previous records during the centenary show.”
Ms Barker said the previous committee had started with the best intensions of saving money and creating a healthy bank account.
“The problem was the cutbacks were so extensive the show suffered and the funds were not being re-invested,” Ms Barker said.
“We were able to correct that this year and we re-invested everything we could to make it the best show ever.”
She said thousands of residents and visitors converged on the iconic Pomona Show Grounds to watch the wide range of animal shows, rides and treats for the whole family.
The current committee are also receiving praise from their sponsors with several already signed up for next year and ensuring the show’s coffers are maintained.
Ms Barker said she wanted to thank the show’s sponsors, committee, committee members and show goers for their dedication and commitment to making the show a success.
“We’re already planning for next year to be bigger and better again, which is a big ask but we’re ready for the challenge,” she said.
