Speeches
Wednesday, 07 October 2026
Officially open the 150th Jamestown Show
Rod and I are delighted to be in Jamestown on this glorious day to tour and officially open the 150th Jamestown Show.
In doing so, I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of four of my predecessors: Sir Thomas Bridges, Sir Eric Bastyn, Sir Mark Oliphant and Sir Donald Dunstan.
I am delighted to be here, although with some mixed feelings, because this is one of my last official engagements before I step down on Tuesday.
But I can think of no better place to spend today than in rural South Australia.
Over the past five years, Rod and I have travelled widely across the state, engaging with rural communities, learning about the challenges and rewards of country life, and, like today, attending country shows.
We always see spirit and pride, and we always come away heartened and impressed by the grit and resilience of country communities, your impressive skills and the contribution you make to South Australia’s prosperity.
It is a particular pleasure to be marking such a significant anniversary, a sesquicentenary no less.
150 is much more than an impressive number. It represents just over 150 years of community commitment, resilience and shared purpose from the nineteenth century to the twenty first.
The fact that, since the original Belalie Agricultural Society was formed in 1874, the Show has only not been held three times – due to heavy rain in 1948, and COVID in 2020 and 2021 – speaks more clearly than any words can do about the resolve of the community.
You have endured wars, droughts and changing times.
One hundred and fifty years is a milestone where we can pause to recognise the contribution of generations of volunteers – no doubt many from the same families - who have maintained and developed the Society, its facilities and the program of events.
As we travelled here today, I thought about the countless people who bring country shows to life and it’s a long list!
Most are volunteers and many work behind the scenes without seeking recognition. Today we thank them: without them – without you - there would be no show.
We celebrate those who plan the event, prepare and print the show program, manage entries, arrange sponsorships and food stalls and entertainment, who set up the Show, organise parking, staff information booths, and at the end of it all, pack it all away.
We celebrate those who prepare the animals for exhibition and practise their handling skills; those who showcase crops and fruit and vegetables, enter cakes and jams, quilts and photographs, and lovingly buff the classic cars; not to forget the judges who must manage the delicate task of assessing the entries and awarding the coveted prizes.
I acknowledge and thank the generations of committee members, stewards, exhibitors, Life Members volunteers and sponsors whose contributions have sustained the Society for 150 shows.
Through the gift of your precious time, expertise and dedication you have ensured the survival and success of the biggest country show outside Gawler.
By introducing new competitions, educational opportunities and improved facilities, you have ensured the Show remains contemporary, relevant and enjoyable.
Your previous President Amy Hagger’s letter of invitation to me in May 2025 noted that the show program included “fun and frivolity for all ages.”
Let’s never underestimate the benefits of frivolity!
Rod and I wish the Jamestown Show every success for the future as the next generation of community leaders and younger members carries the Society into its next chapter.
It gives me much pleasure to officially open the 150th Jamestown Show.
Congratulations everyone!