By LIAM MULHALL

As show season continues around the west, many will be putting the finishing touches on cakes, or getting their prized heifer ready for judging, but for the operators at sideshow alley, their battle with inflated insurance costs continues.

Secretary for the Showmen’s Guild of Australasia, Shelly Pink-Easey says insurance premiums have increased by 300% in the past few years.

“Some people have had to alter how they operate, and people have left the industry,” said Shelly.

“There used to be an abundance of insurance companies but now there’s only one person in the market, so the prices have gone up.”

Shelley is a fourth-generation showman who operates rides, including a children’s bungee jump trampoline ride which she has since had to retire.

“On that one, my insurance used to be $2,500, now it’s gone up to $32,000 so I’ve had to retire it.”

“The real issue is we haven’t been getting what we’re paying for, it’s not like the rides are any safer or run any better than they ever have.”

“And personally, I’ve never had a claim against any of my rides.”

Shelley also believes smaller shows like Coonamble may be hit worse than larger shows like Dubbo or Orange.

“If they’re not on a run they’ll be at risk, we have to save money where we can and jumping back and forth to go to shows out of the way cost more in petrol.”

“But there will always be a sideshow alley that’s for sure.”

“We’re like farmers, we’re resilient and we’ll get through it.”

Support from showgoers is critical to keeping show rides coming. PHOTO: Coonamble Times

As a fourth-generation showman, Shelley has grown up around the show and for her it’ll never matter how tough the insurance strain gets, she’ll always love it.

“The show is the only place you can go where your grandma, your mum, your dad, brother, sister, cousin, daughter, grandson, can all have a great day,” she said.

“The show is the community, for many it’s the one chance a year to show off what the town has to offer, whether that’s cakes, cattle, fruit, veg, lego, photos, all of it.”

“And the mental impact of the show as well, you could be having a tough run and a good day out with friends and the community could really flip the switch for that person.”

In a parting message, Shelley is encouraging people to support their showmen and protect such an iconic pastime.

“I love the show, and people need to keep supporting it otherwise they’ll start to fade away,” said Shelley.

“We’re very lucky in this country to have shows and it's those little things like the unique dagwood dog recipe, or family sideshow that we’ll miss most if they’re gone.”