The Coonamble Show Society stood out from the crowd when their April street party won the 2025 AgShows NSW Award for Innovative Events/Projects at the Celebrating Ag Shows Conference in Armidale over the weekend.
‘A Night on the Town’ took the top spot against finalists from Dapto and Mendooran, with entries from right across the state.
Local Show Society member Tessa Parry accepted the award on behalf of her committee at the Gala Dinner on Saturday 21 June, where over 45 show societies were gathered to celebrate and share ways to grow their events.
The party in Castlereagh Street drew up to 290 people and was staged after the Coonamble Show was cancelled due to a scheduling clash with the rodeo.
“We already counted it as a great success because it was such a good event, but it was really nice to have that recognition,” said Ms Parry.
“We were able to attract 14 new committee members, nine of which were under 30.
“That was just a huge statistic that really resonated with a lot of other show societies and people who were struggling with their memberships.”
The street party, organised by a sub-committee made up largely of young women, raised $10,000 in profit and led to festoon lights that were hung in the main street for the event becoming a permanent fixture.
The judging panel looked at how the society’s approach differed from traditional events.
They also accounted for measurable benefits to the society, as well as creativity.
The conference itself was a chance to gain learnings from other shows, including around attracting volunteers.
“I think a lot of it is just giving people space, and to put on an event that means something to them and means something to their community,” Ms Parry said.
“In these sessions we spoke about how a really big thing attracting and retaining volunteers is once they get that feeling that they were a part of creating an event.
“It gives them a real sense of purpose and a warm, fuzzy feeling that’s what keeps volunteers doing what we do.”
The Show Society will receive $1000 in prizemoney to put towards their activities.