By MEGAN WILSON
THE Noosa Show Society is a family affair for newly appointed president Perene Barker with four generations of family taking the reins of organising the iconic Noosa Country Show since its inception in 1909.
Perene’s great-grandfather, J.W. Napier, was the first chairman of the society back in 1909 and was there when 10 acres of land, which would become the Pomona Showgrounds, were bought for three peppercorns.
“It’s just how things were done back then,” Perene said.
The Pomona Showgrounds were chosen for the annual show as it was considered the middle of the Noosa Shire, only a day’s ride by horse to anywhere within the shire.
Perene’s grandfather, who served in both world wars, was appointed as the first president after World War II and was credited with modernising the show.
Although Perene insists it was her mother, former Miss Noosa in 1953, who was responsible for the contemporary ideas.
“They say it was my grandfather who modernised the show, but really it was his daughter, my mother, who was the ringmaster at the time,” Perene said.
Now Perene has been handed the reins and says the 2015 Noosa Country Show is only going to be bigger and better with the inclusion of many more contributors and activities.
“The show is for the whole of Noosa Shire to showcase all it has to offer,” Perene said.
The Noosa Country Show is held annually in September at the Pomona Showgrounds and is great value for the whole family.
