Committee members walk out as Gold Coast Show hit by scathing report into event
IT’S one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved events. So why is the Gold Coast Show struggling? A scathing report penned by one of its leaders lists what has to change for the event to survive.
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THE Gold Coast Show is in turmoil after a third of its leadership committee walked out and a projected loss of about $75,000.
Event treasurer Grant Perry, vice president Ted Shepherd and two others have all exited the 11-member group since last month’s show, which was marred by lower-than-expected turnout and competition from the rival Mudgeeraba Main event.
SHOW ORGANISERS SEARCHING FOR A NEW LOCATION
The walk out occurred last week after a four-page report written by Mr Shepherd said this year’s show had “woeful” rides, “pitiful” entertainment, there were “too many bosses, not enough workers”, and the cleaners were overpaid at $24,000.
The event is expected to post a loss of around $74,000 this year after a $19,102 profit last year, according to a document obtained by the Gold Coast Bulletin.
The final financial result and confirmed attendance figures are expected to be presented to the committee in early December.
It is understood the payroll for this year’s show blew out to around $180,000.
The report recommended the show abandon gimmicks and promote itself as the “Gold Coast’s Ekka”.
Mr Shepherd declined to comment when approached by the Bulletin.
RIVAL EVENT SET TO BE A SHOWSTOPPER
Show vice president Leanne Kellett dismissed the report, saying it was part of a routine debriefing each year.
Ms Kellett said the move to the Gold Coast Turf Club at Bundall, from Parklands, meant it cost more to put the show on each year. It has a 33-year lease at Bundall.
“We have had great difficulties in our current locations and the costs involved are huge, such as spending $60,000 on traffic management.
“We ask all committee members to write about the good and bad each year because we want to fine tune things and update others.
“Next year’s show will be our 112th and we hope (it will be on). There’s a lot of history here.”
Less than 60,000 people attended the event over its three days, which organisers admitted at the time was “disappointing”.
A highly placed show source said: “We need new faces and need to make it work because we are competing against the theme parks and are facing a range of issues.
“The show needs to get back to basics or otherwise there is a fear it is going to fold.”
Adding to the show’s woes has been the dispute with the Showman’s Guild, which previously provided entertainment.
The guild this year provided rides for the rival show at Mudgeeraba, which was held at the same time.
Guild immediate past president George Pink has a history with the show going back to the early 1950s and said that despite the recent poor relationship, his group was willing to help out.
“You cannot have a show which has previously had some of the finest rides in the country instead offer picnic entertainment,” he said
“I am really concerned it is going to fold, something which is a serious concern because these events are our lifeblood.
“If we were back in there tomorrow we would try our hardest to bring the show back to its glory because we do not hold a grudge. We are here for the long run.”
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