CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr GEE (Calare) (09:42): Few traditions capture the spirit of regional Australia better than a country show. They are a celebration of country Australia at its very best, bringing together families, farmers, volunteers and community groups to showcase local talent, local produce and an enduring pride in regional communities. So today I pay tribute to the volunteers, exhibitors and community members who continue to make our country shows and festivals such an important part of life right across the great Central West.
The Burraga Agricultural Bureau recently held its 66th annual sheep show, opened by Oberon mayor Andrew McKibbon. I was very honoured to attend. I congratulate President Ann Millbank and committee members Neil Francis, Michelle Williams, Ross McDonald, Tahlia Millbank, Chris Francis, Leon Booth, Kevin Pearce and Ken Stapleton for staging another wonderful Burraga show.
The show featured shearing, sheepdog trials, livestock displays and outstanding local exhibits. Congratulations to all award recipients, including Elizabeth Peabody, Amelia Mitchell, Lachlan Millbank, Matilda Millbank, Blake Connor and Olivia Charles. I particularly acknowledge Robynann Larnach for her many years of service judging the showgirl competition, Chris Stapleton for his outstanding commitment to the sheepdog trials and Tahlia Milbank for successfully reviving the ute show after 25 years of not having that wonderful event.
Congratulations also go to Ricky Zinghini, who travelled four hours to win Best Overall Ute. Thank you to the volunteers from Bathurst Correctional Centre for assisting with the town clean-up and to Rod Parks, Nikki Francis and Sandra Stapleton for their support on the day. I'd also like to congratulate the team at the Cudal Show.
Cudal recently celebrated its 125th show. I would particularly like to acknowledge President Chris Solomon, together with Jacqui Fowler, Elizabeth Wiltshire, Helen Colman, Tamar Devine, Dave Farrell, Ryan Fowler, Sue Garside, Prue Lindfield and Carol Smith, as well as community volunteers Steve Garside, Josie Lowe, John Rapley, Faye Whalan, Caitlin Christie and Katie Venikova.
Their efforts contributed to a wonderful event. On the weekend, the 39th annual Trunkey Creek Wool & Horse Festival was held. It was a terrific show, although my linedancing does need a little bit of work.
Congratulations to President Kerry Johns and committee members Chloe Johns, Erin Johns, Nicole Meldrum, Graham Higham, Trevor Henry, Genny Henry, Rosemary Mikes, Marilyn Burke, Karen Noonan, Barbara Parrington, Amanda Byrnes and Therese Grimma. I also acknowledge the wonderful volunteers Chris Stapleton, Brett Meldrum, Brett Lowe, Mick Burke, Graham Henry, Kirsten Fenton, Murray Fenton, Tenisha Fenton and Gordon Holland.
You cannot beat a country show. These three wonderful shows help add to the vibrancy of our wonderful country communities. I thank them all.