Peter Hendy (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to sing the praises of the various country shows held within my electorate of Eden-Monaro over the last four months. I think they have a great deal to offer families and the community in this internet age.    Here is a chance for local communities to come together to show their wares and skills across a host of activities, ranging from art competitions and dressage events to cooking and baking competitions. All shows give locals the chance to show off the quality of their livestock and produce in competitions. It is also a chance for city folk to experience a slice of country life.

As the local member it has been terrific getting out and about across my electorate. The show circuit started with Queanbeyan before Christmas. That was followed by Pambula, Candelo, Moruya, Nimmitabel, Cobargo, Bega, Braidwood, Bungendore, Dalgety, Delegate, Cooma, Bombala and Bemboka. I have managed to get to almost all those shows. That is a lot of sausage sandwiches!

Last Saturday I went to the Bombala show. Interestingly, there was a display of new technology. There was a drone in operation that took a video and photos from    100 metres above the showground. It has potential for both firefighting and farming applications. Bombala show is the last of our shows in Eden-Monaro before the Sydney Easter show. Every one of the various show organising committees and all the volunteers deserve our thanks. They are the lifeblood of their communities.