Narrabri Show to continue, requires support of community

The 2026 Narrabri Show will continue with its planned festivities for the first weekend in May, however, organisers have made a plea for the community’s support so the event can continue into the future.

A meeting of members was convened at the Narrabri Bowling Club to discuss options for this year’s show following rising costs as well as the impact on households, businesses and organisations from the current petrol crisis.

Among the options discussed were keeping the festivities in its entirety at the planned dates from May 1 to 3, rescheduling the rodeo to a separate date, postponing the event to a later date (possibly August), or cancelling this year’s show.

Members present were able to voice their thoughts about the options present and took part in a ballot on how the show should proceed.

Keeping the show at its planned date was the overall consensus from the members present at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Making the community more aware of show membership, and its benefits, was also discussed along with celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary.

Narrabri Show Society president Wendy McNair said it was important members were involved in the discussion and that the organisation was heading into “uncharted waters” due to escalating costs.

“We can’t emphasise strongly enough about how we need the community’s support with next month’s show and moving forward,” Mrs McNair said.

“There’s a lot at stake including the future of the show itself.”

Mrs McNair and other committee members have voiced concern with rising costs, more generally, and its impact in potentially jeopardising future events.

A core group of committee members are shouldering the load of organising this year’s festivities, however, implored members and the broader community to contribute to the society.

With a squeeze on volunteers, as well as on finances due to cost impacts, the show society also finds itself in dire need for volunteers to man the gates, especially the main Ugoa Street gate on the Friday and Saturday of the show.

Interested people, organisations or businesses can contact Michelle Wheeler on 0428 925 033.