"I would like to thank the Show Society for their invitation to speak today, on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the Gawler Show.

When you travel through the show’s history a few key themes emerge; some controversies re-appear time and time again, the show has reflected the highs and lows of the town itself, and it has been a source of inNovation.In the few minutes I have, I will try to highlight a few stories that provide a flavour of the show’s colourful history.

The show itself did not start without controversy, with two community and volunteer committees vying to run the first show.In 1851 a committee chaired by Mr Sparshott was formed to establish a Society for ‘produce farmers’ but was not proceeded with.

A second attempt was made on 2 October, 1854, when Dr Otto Schomburgk chaired a special public meeting convened at the Globe Hotel (now the Kingsford) when the Gawler Agricultural and Horticultural Society was formed.In October 1855 Dr Schomburgk was re-elected President at the Show Society’s first AGM.

James Martin was elected as a Committee Member and the stage was set for the first Gawler Show.On 19 February 1856, the Show Society held its first Show under the grand title of “Gawler Agricultural sand Horticultural Society’s First Annual Exhibition”.

The SA Register records the event as follows: “Considering the recent date of the Society’s establishment, and, considering that this was the first attempt at a produce show, we think the members have every reason to congratulate themselves upon its complete success. We never remember having seen so large a company, including so many ladies of respectability”And so the Gawler Show was born.

On 10 February 1859, the Show was held in James Martin’s corn store in Murray Street.In the first major reform, on 10 July 1860, a new Show Society was formed to represent broader agriculture and horticultural interests and on 27 February 1861, a larger and more varied “Annual Exhibition” was held in the parklands in a “large and tastefully Decorated” pavilion.But the Show was not always well received and the 1865 show was poorly attended.

Rumours began to circulate that it might be the last show; but the rumours were proven wrong and the 1867 show was an outstanding success. The show has always relied on the support of volunteers. Without volunteers the show cannot go ahead.So it was in February 1869, the Show Society faced an uncertain future as Gawler residents did not come forward to assist in the organisation of the Show.

The second major reform in January 1870 saw the commencement of the tradition of holding the Gawler Show a week before the Adelaide Show.And in 1871 the Show was held at the newly erected Martin & Co workshop on Calton Road, where it was reported that the building was “scarcely second to the exhibition building in Adelaide”.At this Show fine cheeses and bacon were exhibited for the first time, but it was also lamented that some “rough youths” brought down the tone of the day. Sound familiar?The 1873 show had a number of inNovations.

Soap was exhibited for the first time, and it is no coincidence that shortly thereafter, it is reported that an emerging new soap industry in town was evident. James Martin also exhibited some new agricultural implements. Additionally, it is reported that “refrigeration” in the form of “canvas bags” appeared at the Show which allowed for the cooling of liquids and the exhibition of meats.In 1876 one of the first exotic items was exhibited.

Deriving from Ceylon ‘brinjal’ or what we call eggplant was first exhibited; and here I was, thinking that Italians brought the eggplant to Australia.The 1877 Show was a huge success with visitors pouring into the main street of Gawler.According to some report and for reasons I have not been able to determine, no show was held in 1879.

Over time, pressure mounted to find a more expansive and larger site for the Show and in 1882 an Exhibition building was opened in the Gawler parklands, to provide a single venue for the Gawler Show.In the same year, the Show Society explored the possibility of holding two shows; one in February and the other in October.

The 1883 Show was opened by the Governor and transcripts of the speeches given are available online if anybody is interested in reading further about that Show.Speculation mounted during 1886 that the Show would not be held because of poor weather, while the 1887 Show was in doubt because of poor agricultural conditions in the District.

In 1889 the Show celebrated the 50th Jubilee of the Town with a visit from the then Governor.In 1906, the Show celebrating its 50th birthday.It was acknowledged the Gawler Show was the second best show in the state, just behind the Royal Adelaide Show.

The first 50 years in the life of the show provide a wonderful insight in the importance of the event to the Gawler community.During its 160 years, the Show has had its highs and low, its challenges and successes, but a few things have remained the same:The importance of volunteersA driver of inNovationAnd the premier event in the Town’s calendar.

Your Excellency thank you for joining us today, and thank you to the army of volunteers that have made the show possible for 160 years."