It is the first year the show has not gone ahead in more than a decade. The 2010 show was deferred due to financial difficulties, but it resumed in 2011.
Even in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show was able to proceed, however there is heightened local concern this year following the Omicron outbreak.
The Show Society said its decision followed increased public concern, but also to protect the health of stakeholders and visitors in response to the developing Coronavirus situation in Deniliquin and surrounding areas.
Pastoral & Agricultural Society president Chantelle Shevels said after a proactive discussion by the show executive and stewards at its recent meeting, it was the best decision for all involved to cancel the show for 2022.
‘‘There are many people who will be upset by this decision, and we are grateful for the outstanding support we have received from all our key stakeholders,’’ Ms Shevels said.
‘‘Cancellation of the show is a huge disappointment for the show community, particularly exhibitors from all over rural NSW and Victoria, who love attending the show every year, and we hope our community understands why we have reached this difficult decision.
‘‘During the last two years, we have been incredibly lucky to hold two very successful events and thank the community for their full support.’’
Ms Shevels said the financial impact on the show would be a detriment to the show society, but she has also seen the cancellation as a turning point, as the group seeks to recruit volunteers, to renew its activities in 2023.
The committee plans to hold a recruitment drive for new members and volunteers.
‘‘Our show is one of only a few opportunities to keep our economic activity each year for our society and the decision to cancel will affect us dearly.
‘‘We have commenced the task of communicating with all our stakeholders and will soon start to make plans for an even bigger, better, more exciting and entertaining 2023 Deniliquin Show,’’ Ms Shevels said.
She added that many local people ‘‘might feel they don’t have’’ traditional backgrounds in agriculture or events management, but actually do have many valuable skills that they can bring with them, and the show society would value their contribution should they be able to share the load.
She said it is another opportunity for the Show Society to continue growing the show with our younger generations.
Efforts are also being made to allow regular entrants of the pavilion section to participate in some capacity.
The show committee is keen to support all sections of the show and will endeavour to hold events during the year to support its exhibitors who would normally continue on to regional finals with the opportunity to compete at the Royal Melbourne Show.
This means locals who would normally enter the pavilion sections of the show can still enter, thanks to a partnership formed between the Deniliquin and Swan Hill show committees, where local Deniliquin entrants can compete at the Swan Hill Mini Show on February 13.
Winners of those sections will still have the ability to go into regional finals in April, and from there progress to the Royal Melbourne Show respectively.
The Deniliquin Show has been an annual institution since it was established in 1877. It was originally held on Hardinge St, before moving to Memorial Park (then called Jubilee Park) in 1952.
The pavilion section has been a long-running feature, with the pavilion display continually upgraded in its permanent pavilion building.
Deadline for entry to the Swan Hill Mini Show is tomorrow, February 2. Committee member Linda Maher will transport entries to the event, which is closed to the public due to COVID. Phone Ms Maher on 0422 828 074 to make arrangements.
The Swan Hill Mini Show schedule and entry form can be downloaded at www.swanhillshow.com.au and submitted to secretary@swanhillshow.com.au.
Deniliquin entrants must make note of their location on the entry form.
