Heavy rain at Riverina Field Days saw the second day called off in 2024, leading to huge losses for organisers. Photo: Griffith Showground.
The future of the longstanding Riverina Field Days is in doubt after Griffith’s Coro Club announced it will no longer host the event.
Originally called the Murrumbidgee Farm Fair and launched in 1984, the weekend event showcases local agriculture and provides rural-themed music, entertainment and activities for families.
Coro Club General Manager Jason Torresan cited rising expenses and insurance premiums, losses incurred at washed out past events, difficulties attracting volunteers and major renovations at his club as reasons for the decision.
“The event requires seven months of intensive planning. With the Coro Club about to undergo major renovations that have already been delayed by six months, we must focus our resources and priority to be on the club’s future development,” Mr Torresan said.
He said the big call was made following an extensive review involving the board of directors, Coro Club staff, and consultation with multiple exhibitors, resulting in the board unanimously voting not to proceed with the event in 2025 or beyond.
There may be some hope for the event to remain alive though, with the Coro Club calling for expressions of interest from other organisations that may be willing to take over.
“We are encouraging any interested parties to step forward,” he said.
Mr Torresan has had wretched luck since taking over the event in 2022, with two of three events he organised disrupted by heavy rain, resulting in huge financial losses.
He had considered changing the annual date to keep the field days alive.
“We considered the farming calendar carefully, but there never seems to be a good month that aligns with both the farmers’ needs and ideal weather conditions. Our region’s diversity is a strength, but it complicates the timing for an event like this,” he said.
“Choosing a date that didn’t clash with another field day where we would lose exhibitors was proving difficult. The weather is probably the most significant factor of all.”
Thousands of people attended the dry Riverina Field Days in 2023. Photo: Supplied.
The loss of key staff member Koala Jones not long after this year’s event also had a significant impact on the future planning and operations of the event.
“Without Koala’s expertise, it became increasingly difficult to manage the complexities of the event.
“We’ve seen a decline in the availability of volunteers within community groups, which has been a crucial part of making this event a success in past years.”
Efforts to explore alternative venues and private farms were also unsuccessful, with no suitable locations identified that could meet the event’s requirements.
Mr Torresan also said higher overheads, increased insurance premiums, increases in site lease fees, a reduction in financial support from Griffith City Council, and multiple external parking fines issued to attendees had exacerbated the challenges faced by the event.
Numerous events and shows across regional NSW have been cancelled over the past five years, as organisers grapple with volatile weather, increased competition, rising costs and declining volunteer bases.
Ganmain Show president Andrew Hatty said hosting agricultural events in small towns was becoming more challenging.
“It’s getting harder with insurance, but we’re a small community and everyone’s been so supportive,” he said.
“A lot of it comes down to luck; we’ve had good weather. We’re confident about keeping our show going for years to come.”
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
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