Presidents of Hobart and Burnie shows worried about future of similar events in the state

After this year’s Royal Launceston Show was cancelled, agricultural society presidents from around the state are worried about the future of similar events. Why there’s hope.

Myra West 3 of Prospect Vale feeds the laughing clowns at the Launceston Show. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

Events like the annual Hobart show need to “reinvent” themselves, according to Royal Agricultural Society Tasmania CEO Scott Gadd.

His comments come after the 2024 Royal Launceston Show was cancelled following two years of consecutive financial losses.

While organisers said it intended to return in the future, the show is not the first event of its kind to be cancelled in the last seven years.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania CEO Scott Gadd ahead of the Royal Hobart Show. Picture: Chris Kidd

There has been no Devonport Show since 2017, and Ulverstone had its last one in 2022.

Regarding the Launceston Show, Mr Gadd said it was sad to see an event that had run consecutively for 151 years end.

However, despite the number of agricultural shows around the state dwindling, he believed there was still a future for them.

“I do think shows need to reinvent, and it’s not just in Tasmania, it’s across the country. The show model, to some extent, is broken,” Mr Gadd said.

“It doesn’t compete with modern events and festivals that have big budgets.

“So, it does need to modernise a bit and work out what the role of the show is moving forward.

“That’s the challenge we all face.”

Friends Hannah Jager 15 and Matilda Steele 15 at the show for the first time. Day one of the Hobart Show 2023. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mia Sice 5 of Norwood on the Bungies at the Launceston Show in 2016. Picture Chris Kidd

Mr Gadd said that Tasmanian shows in more regional and rural areas such as Huonville, Bream Creek, and Campbell Town still enjoyed firm community support.

“I think they’ve got a strong future,” he said.

“Whether they can grow their audience or not is debatable, but the ones that have really good community support will survive.

“I think the others are facing a challenging environment, but I do think there is a path forward.

“I don’t think we can rely on the gate each year anymore to make enough money to put next year’s show on.

“I think the ones that are in the best position are the ones that are generating income through other means, which they can then invest in their show.”

Shows in rural areas such as Huonville have a strong future, Mr Gadd says.

Hobart, Tasmania. Royal Hobart Show, Friday 27th October 2023. Georgie Pearson from Mist Mountain Valais Blacknose Sheep. Picture: Linda Higginson

Burnie Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Jodi Gardam said she still believed there was an audience for shows despite challenges.

“I think there’s still always going to be the people that do like coming to shows, especially families,” Ms Gardam said.

“But the state of the economy isn’t great, and it’s not cheap for them to go out and do things at the moment.

“So that might be something they think about and say ‘no, I can’t afford that’.”

Both the Hobart and Burnie shows will be running in October.

Meanwhile, Mr Gadd said he hoped the 2025 Royal Hobart show would return to the Hobart Showgrounds, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment.