Narrabri Show society starts planning 2021 event

A new Narrabri Show committee has been formed and has already gone to task in planning the 2021 event.

As work starts on preparations on the April 30 to May 2 event in 2021, the committee has identified a need for stewards for stud cattle, handicrafts, needlework, whip cracking and novelty events.

New show president Jason Orman said stewards played an important role for the annual event.

“Without stewards, the show doesn’t go on,” he said.

At the society’s annual general meeting in August, Mr Orman was elected as president.

Mr Orman has been involved with the show since he was a child, having worked as a steward for the fruit and vegetable section.

He took over the steward role from his grandfather Fred Orman who has a memorial trophy named in his honour.

“I thought I would throw my hat in the ring,” Mr Orman said of showing an interest in becoming president.

The Orman family has enjoyed a long involvement with the society. Mr Orman said his family had been involved with the event since its early days.

“I was born into it,” he said, adding that his sister, father and other family members were still part of the town’s iconic event.

“I’m hoping one of my children will take on my show passion.

“I like meeting people at the show and talking to the people who exhibit.

“My main social time is at the show.”

Joining Mr Orman on the committee announced at the annual general meeting were Bec Cope (vice president), Ian Orman (vice president), Grace Bolton (treasurer) and general committee members Janine McGowan, Fiona Orman, Janet Pope, Craig Brown and Trish Lawty.

Mr Orman paid tribute to the hard-working group.

“We’ve got a good group of people,” he said.

Mr Orman said he hoped the community would rally behind the event.

“We want to get as much interest as we can in the show.”

At its October meeting, the show society welcomed Jessica Wales as its new secretary.

Ms Wales, originally from Gunnedah, is the bank manager at Westpac’s Narrabri branch.

She was a Junior Gunnedah Showgirl in 2007.

While new to the planning aspect of an event the size of Narrabri Show, she said she hoped to use the skills she has developed working in the banking industry.

“I want to showcase our community’s spirit and carry on the traditions of a 144-year-old legacy, while also future-proofing the Narrabri Show for years to come,” she said.

She said she also hoped to add a modern touch to the event and was passionate about getting the community, children and young adults more involved in the show.