From the bush to the big smoke

Every year, a swag of bush people hit the big smoke to enjoy or compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Some of the Wee Waa district residents competing this year included local high school students Caitlyn Coutts-Smith and Mackenzie Jones.

Among the Sydney Royal District Exhibits at the show was the central district display, which well-known and talented Wee Waa and Narrabri show society representative Francis Drysdale once again helped to assemble.

Mr Drysdale also collaborated with Inverell resident Peter Grainger to enter two classes of the floral art section.

Francis Drysdale was again part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Caitlyn and Mackenzie were selected to compete and represent Group 14 in Junior Judging at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Caitlyn qualified in the categories of Meat Breeds Sheep, Merino Wool, Fruit and Vegetable judging while Mackenzie competed in Merino Fleece and Grain judging.

“It’s been such a great experience competing at state level, from learning from industry experts to experiencing the Sydney Show itself,” Caitlyn told The Courier.

“Qualifying rounds for Sydney Royal 2024 are coming up soon so it’ll be a great opportunity to practise what we have learnt over the past week.”

“It has been such a highlight to be selected for Sydney Royal in multiple junior judging categories,” added Mackenzie.

“Especially out in the country, Sydney Royal is seen to be the best of the best.

“I’d also like to thank everyone that has made it possible for Caitlyn and myself to be able to venture on this educational journey, especially our parents.”

While Caitlyn and Mackenzie didn’t receive a place, they were awarded finalist certificates and a gift card for their efforts.

At the Wee Waa Show Society’s March meeting, the young rural ambassadors were incredibly grateful to receive a financial contribution to assist with the cost of attending Sydney Royal.

“We are very proud of the girls and their achievements and look forward to hearing about their experience,” said the Wee Waa Show Society.

Wee Waa and Narrabri show society representative Francis Drysdale, once again helped to assemble the magnificent central district display in the popular Sydney Royal District Exhibits dome.

Francis Drysdale collaborated with Inverell resident Peter Rainger to enter two classes of the floral art section. The pair took part in the prestigious
‘National Floral Designer Competition Class 148’, a competitor section entered by invitation only.

Francis said he enjoys attending the Royal Easter Show because of the ‘long-term friendships’ he’s made over the years.

“You get to know everyone, and you help each other out,” he said.

The central district display showcased the diversity of the region, which includes Narrabri Shire to Armidale, Kempsey and down to Cessnock.

“It set the scene – tropical fruit, grains, wines, cheeses, olive oils, olives, Wee Waa cotton, Walcha wool and more.”

The central district display placed fourth, but as well as the exhibit being judged, the produce featured in each exhibit is also judged.

Francis said fibre from the Cotton Capital appropriately won first prize in its category.

“We’re very grateful to receive the cotton, they said it was good colour, good fibre strength.

“Thank you to everyone for their contributions to our exhibit, it’s much appreciated, and we’ll be looking for more next year.”

The dome is one of the main attractions at the Royal Easter Show, with attendees flocking to see an array of produce in different displays.

The displays are constructed with creativity and military precision, and take more than a week to perfect.

For example, a farmer featured in the central district display was covered in seeds and Francis said it took more than two days to create.

“He was covered in canola, mung beans, millet, chickpeas and split peas.”

The dome is shut at 7pm every night so “no one can get in or out” to ensure the displays in progress stay safe.

Any leftover produce from the displays is kindly donated to Ronald McDonald house after the show.

Francis also collaborated with Inverell resident Peter Rainger to enter two classes of the floral art section.

“I like creating and working with some of the best flowers in Australia.”

Second place: Wee Waa and Narrabri show society representative Francis Drysdale collaborated with Inverell resident Peter Rainger, and the pair received an impressive second prize in the ‘Impose Class 565’, creating a native plant masterpiece.

Francis and Peter placed an impressive second in the ‘Impose Class 565’, creating a native plant masterpiece.

“They gave us the theme of poetry in motion and when we arrived at 8am, they gave us a briefing and we went out to our stand – all we saw was a roll of gutter guard, two pots covered in hessian and a big cardboard box full of flowers,” explained Francis.

“And then when they say ‘start’ – that’s the first time we see our flowers and then we need to create an arrangement out of that.

“We had four hours to complete it.

“Placing second was wonderful.

“The five years I’ve been doing it with Peter we’ve received – two firsts, two seconds and third.

“We work well together.”

The pair with a fabulous floral flair also took part in the prestigious ‘National Floral Designer Competition Class 148’, a competitor section entered by invitation only.