A history of the Dubbo Show Society will be told in a book due to be released in May to celebrate 150 years of the iconic Dubbo Show.
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The book is being collated by author, writer and award-winning journalist, Jen Cowley, who is remaining "tight lipped" on the title of the book, which will be available for purchase at the 2023 Dubbo Show from Friday, May 19 until Monday, May 21.
"I'm very honoured to have been entrusted with this project, and I know there's a responsibility that comes with telling the story of arguably Dubbo's most significant, and certainly most iconic event and, more accurately, the organisation that has held the reins of that event for a century and a half," Ms Cowley told the Daily Liberal.
She said the book wouldn't be chronological, but instead, she was "letting the people who have populated the Dubbo Show Society's history tell the story".
"It's through their recollections, and those of their families and friends and associates, that make the history come alive. All stitched together with tid-bits of history and key moments in the Show Society's century and a half," Ms Cowley said.
The Dubbo Show was born in 1873, after the previous year's formation of the North Western Pastoral and Agricultural Society.
From the founding fathers, many of whose names still loom large in Dubbo's community fabric, to those who hold the reins today, the story of the Dubbo Show is one of commitment, resilience and sheer determination.
- Jen Cowley, author
The organisation evolved over the years and underwent a number of name changes to become the Dubbo Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association (PA&H Assoc) and then the Dubbo Show Society Incorporated.
The show has also evolved over the years, as a reflection of our modern regional community.
Thousands of people have been involved with the show since its inception, and the book will be a snapshot of a number of different sections of the show, and some of the key people and families that have helped make the show what it is today.
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"From the founding fathers, many of whose names still loom large in Dubbo's community fabric, to those who hold the reins today, the story of the Dubbo Show is one of commitment, resilience and sheer determination," Ms Cowley said.
Submissions have closed for content for the book, however contributions and memorabilia will be welcome after show week 2023, to become part of a larger archive.
Copies of the book can be pre-ordered by contacting the Dubbo Show Society office on 6882 4634.
Some fun (and not so fun!) facts*
- The first Dubbo Show was held in 1873 - a year after what is now known as the Dubbo Show Society was formed - and it was held at the racecourse.
- It moved to a dedicated showground site in 1885 - where it is still held today.
- In 1891 the showground was used as a temporary wing of the Dubbo Hospital, which was overflowing thanks to an epidemic of influenza - it would again be used for patients from the hospital nearly 30 years later, this time for the Spanish 'Flu pandemic, and the grandstand itself (which had been built in 1893 at a cost of £1500) was the site used.
- The show was cancelled during some of the war years, both for WWI and WW2 - on both occasions, the showground was used as an army base. The show was also cancelled in 1920, thanks to the impact of drought, and again in 1931 because of the depression, however the Hospital Board took the baton and hosted the show that year.
- The Fitzroy Street gates to the Showground were donated by the Henderson family of Blayney for Queen Elizabeth's visit in 1954, for which it is reported that some 60,000 people came to Dubbo. Her Majesty was here for just 90 minutes, including a whirlwind visit to the show where she and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by two long rows of nicely groomed mostly Merino sheep bottoms - a unique "guard of honour".
- 1970 saw the first night show ever held in Dubbo.
- The show celebrated its centenary in 1973, running over two nights for the first time.
- The expo centre was opened in 1988.
- 1996 - Dubbo City Council (as it was then known) took over the management of the Dubbo Showground.
- The showgirl competition had its first (and only to date!) male entrant in 2005.
- In 2010, after more than a decade of argy-bargy and to the despair of heritage and history aficionados, the grand old grandstand - which had been irreparably damaged in a massive storm in 2001 - was demolished.
- In 2020, the global Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the show - the showground was again used in the battle against disease, this time its pavilions becoming a testing site.
- That same year, the Dubbo Show Society appointed its first ever female patron - Pauline McAllister.
- 2023 - The Dubbo Show Society celebrates 150 years!
*Facts courtesy of Jen Cowley, author.
Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
