Dalby District and Show Society issues call for volunteers to make sure event continues into future

‘There’s a real possibility there will not be a Dalby show in future years’: The Dalby District and Show Society say they are in need of at least 20 volunteers as they face future program cuts.

Darryl Byrne, President Frank Chiverton, Cheryl Parsons, Rob Parsons and MP Ann Leahy opening the new Parsons Pavilion at the Dalby Show

The Dalby District and Show Society say the future of the popular Dalby Show could be up in the air if they are unable to bolster volunteer numbers.

The show society recently took to social media to appeal for more hands-on volunteers as their ageing team were struggling with the physical labour of packing the show up and down, as well as running various events.

Show society president Darryl Byrne said without volunteers they may be forced to delete several events from the shows’ calendar, and said they were looking for at least 20 people to help out.

“Many hands make light work, one of the problems we have is the majority of the committee is getting on in years and a lot of the cleaning gets left up to three or four of the elderly ones,” he said.

“We need people to help in the horse section, run the Show Girl and Rural Ambassador section, farm produce, children’s events, the bar and help out in the main pavilion.

“With these events you need someone to take ownership and organise it and because of our limited number of people we won't be able to have those events.

“Without volunteers we will lose some of the children's activities, we’ve already had to drop the Farmers Challenge because we’ve had no one to run it and we’d probably have to drop the horse section as well.”

Lots of fun was had at the 2024 Dalby Show.

Mr Byrne said more volunteers meant they could keep ticket prices low and ensure all families had the opportunity to enjoy a day out.

“We are trying to head away from having a lot of paid entertainment as well because it ends up being a hell of a lot of money, so we are looking at volunteers where we can,” he said.

“We have tried to stop our admission fees and sight rentals from getting out of hand, but if you start hiring expensive entertainment you have to put your gate prices up and in today's age that would stop a lot families from coming to the show.”

Mr Byrne said the show was vital for the Western Downs and it was important to safeguard its future.

“The show is very important for the community because it brings people together for those two days and it lets those with various skills and crafts and hobbies show off what they do,” he said.

“We also have a cattle section where people can exhibit their stud cattle and it’s important because if you win a prize at any show that probably sells half a dozen bulls for you.

“Come to the meetings, get involved and take ownership of something.

“We try and make everyone feel welcome, we aren't a secret society, we are open to anyone and have our meeting and a bit of a social get together on the third Wednesday of every month.”

The society are inviting people to attend a meeting on Saturday February 1 at the Dalby Show Office at 1.30pm.

Originally published as Dalby District and Show Society issues call for volunteers to make sure event continues into future