Handy tips on how young people can contribute to show societies, packs the pages of a handbook now available online
A free resource has been made available to help guide people to become members of country shows and committees and make a contribution to their community.
It’s an initiative of Agricultural Show Australia through their Emerging Leaders body. There are some wonderful quotes contained in the guide that you don’t want to miss.
It’s an extra-long title, ‘30 tips for being a valued contributor to show societies, rural boards and agricultural committees‘ but don’t let that put you off, as it’s worth checking out.
The free, 17-page handbook (would be 32-pages if printed – but that’s the advantage of Online – where everything is condensed) is an initiative of Agricultural Shows Australia’s (ASA) Emerging Leaders program.
It arms young leaders with practical support and guidance to help them, their committees, and the show movement across Australia, thrive.
Six accomplished leaders in the agricultural sector; Catherine Marriot OAM (board member of Rural Bank) John Bennett OAM (vice president of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW), Danica Leys (CEO of the NSW Country Women’s Association), Jock Laurie (chairman of Australian Wool Innovation), Tom Green (vice chairman of Lachlan Valley Water), and Anna Speer (CEO of Greenstock), shared their wisdom.
With a range of backgrounds, from major agricultural events to peak bodies, retailers and finance, each leader offers valuable advice for young people getting started on a show society or committee. Governance, handling responsibility, time management, and even advice on when to just simply back off – it’s all covered.
Every committee brings with it a myriad of opinions and ideas. It can be a challenging environment but Catherine Marriot OAM, shares two of the most valuable lessons to building a successful team – curiosity and a shared purpose.
Shown left to right top row is the Handbook cover and people featured inside including Catherine Marriott OAM, Danica Leys, then from left to right bottom row is Jock Laurie, John Bennett and farmer Tom Green from Forbes NSW
“One of the biggest gifts that you can give to people who have different opinions is to not be threatened by that, but be curious and ask them questions,” the Medal of the Order of Australia recipient for her work in promoting primary industry and regional development, said.
“Getting everyone to agree on a singular purpose is an incredible leveller and it brings people together.”
Chairman of Agricultural Shows Australia, Dr Rob Wilson said the resource is candid, useful and inspiring.
“Leaders in Australia’s rural and agricultural sectors have shared their advice on topics pertinent to accomplished, successful committees, with the intention to equip the next generation of leaders in the show movement across Australia.
This handbook has the resources and support they need to find their voice, understand their responsibilities, and succeed so that in turn the show movement prospers,” Dr Rob Wilson added.
The handbook is available to download at agshowsaustralia.org.au/new-handbook-30-tips-for-being-a-valued-contributor/
About Agricultural Shows Australia
Agricultural Shows of Australia (ASA) was established to promote the role and significance of Australian agricultural shows to the wider community. ASA’s vision is a strong and vibrant network of agricultural shows working together to engage, influence and promote the essential value of Australian agriculture. Membership of the ASA is made up of capital city Royal Agricultural Societies and state-based agricultural show bodies, together representing over 580 agricultural shows.
