IT WAS the "mind-blowing" turnaround that saw a struggling show nearly double attendance, to more than 2200 people, in just six months.
The nothing short of phenomenal upturn – executed by a completely new executive committee – had country shows Australia-wide biting at the bit to find out how they "breathed new life" into the association.
"We really wanted it to be a success and something that brought the community together to celebrate what the show is about," said Amy McKenzie, who was voted in as Cunnamulla Show Society secretary last November before the May event.
But there was more to the story than just sheer luck, including a number of “learning curves”.
Since then, the committee has set about tackling the challenge of increasing active membership.
Miss McKenzie will be among those mounting the panel ‘Showstoppers’ at the Queensland Shows Conference, serving up to delegates the real life success stories from across the state in 2015.
She’ll join representatives from other organisations that have achieved great things this year.
In Stanthorpe, there was the local Miss Showgirl competition that stunned with its fundraising efforts that achieved a whopping $120,000.
Then there was the incredible program engaging more youth volunteers at Allora, on the Darling Downs.
Involvement with the show by high school students contributes to them gaining qualification levels of Certificate I and II.
It’s an initiative that’s seen a significant increase in youth involvement in the show society.
The panelists will be there to share strategies, speak frankly about what they could have done better, and provide conference-goers with the practical information to improve their show society.
Delegates are encouraged to ask questions in the relaxed session.
