Baradine residents have rallied to reverse a decision not to hold the 2025 Baradine Show.

Early in the year members of the Baradine P.A & H Association made the call to cancel the annual event due to concerns regarding the funds to host it and lack of volunteers. But when the news got out to the broader community locals wasted no time in mustering up support to change the decision.

At a well-attended community meeting held on Saturday, 11 January committee members voted unanimously for the show to go ahead.

The meeting, chaired by Bianca Williams, president Castlereagh Group 12 of the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) NSW, Dane Parnell, Group 12 treasurer and Stephen Coe, president, Baradine P.A & H Society, has been hailed a great success.

Stephen Coe thanked the community for its support. “It was amazing, within a week we had some new committee members on board to take on various jobs to get the show back on the road,” he said. “Since then, we have had a further meeting to discuss the programme of events and get the show schedule finalised.

“Now, with more sponsorship already being generated and more helping hands available, we are all delighted that our iconic show will go on.”

Bianca Williams said that it was good to help the committee and help guide them to a decision.

“We hope that the Baradine show society will run for a long time into the future,” she said. “Unfortunately, across the state we have seen shows close for one reason, or another, whether it's because they fold for financial reasons or volunteer power. Whatever the reason may be, agricultural shows in New South Wales have decreased in the last few years.

“Show societies are one of the community groups that do rely heavily on grants and, unfortunately, they are hard to come by and with the cost of living the way it is, sponsorship can be difficult to find.

“We were looking at a bigger picture here. Not only do we need the people to help put on the show, but we also need people to come through the gate. So, if everyone can do a job, we can piece it all together and we can make it work.”

This year’s Baradine Show will focus on incorporating the traditional elements of the event with livestock competitions, art, craft, photography and school displays, as well as food vendors, stallholders and live music.

“I am totally confident that this year’s show will have all the aspects that have worked so well in the past, but also incorporate some new and exciting ideas,” said Mr Coe. “I think that traditional events need to be preserved because they are the ones that showcase everything we do in the community.

“The all-round support we have received has given us a lot of confidence now we have a strong team to put on the show. The decision has certainly sparked hope for the future of the event"

The Baradine Show committee are encouraging district residents to consider entering some of the many competitive and fun events on Saturday, 15 March.