The absence of the motocross drawcard contributed to an almost 20% drop in gatetakings at its annual show but the Millicent Show Society still turned a profit of $3400 in the past year.
The Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club has been competing in Millicent for the past 30 Novembers but could not in 2022 owing to nationwide insurance issues at the last hour.
Gatetakings fell from $44,000 to $37,000 but retiring Millicent Show Society president Neville Copping was nonetheless able to present an upbeat report at the annual general meeting at the showgrounds on Monday night.
Mr Copping said the Speed Shearing was a popular alternative Friday night attraction and he acknowledged the efforts of Elders agent John Jolly in coordinating this event.
He said the shearing contests would be staged over two days in 2023.
“All of the other attractions at the 2022 Millicent Show were well patronised including the fireworks, ride-on lawn mower races and the demo derby,” Mr Copping said.
“The number of outlets in the food court increased.
“We had the return of the cattle and sheep contests and this attracted many comments.
“For me, this was the most satisfying aspect of the show.
“In all my years of involvement with the Show Society, I cannot recall a better or more enjoyable show.”
After six years at the helm, Mr Copping did not seek re-election.
However he and his wife Bev Copping will remain on the general committee and they will support the in-coming office-bearers.
Ms Copping has given considerable time to the Millicent Show Society including stints as secretary, treasurer and show book coordinator.
“We have to be careful with our expenditure,” Ms Copping said.
“We have had the [COVID] grants but things are getting back to normal.”
The annual general meeting lasted about 45 minutes and the 30 members in attendance gave their blessing to a minor constitutional change relating to membership.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll took the chair for the election of office-bearers.
Mayor Noll said the 2022 Millicent Show was a credit to the society’s committee and membership.
“We are post-COVID and country shows are bouncing back,” Mayor Noll said.
“Whenever I drive past the showgrounds, I always see someone doing something.
“The Millicent Show provides an economic benefit to this community.”
The incoming president is Brett Keatley who was previously the senior vice president.
He thanked the outgoing committee and outlined a busy year ahead.
“Let’s iron out the bugs and get matters fixed through the year so there is no last-minute rush,” Mr Keatley said.
All other positions were filled and were not contested.
Supporting Mr Keatley will be Colin Searle (senior vice president), Jim Garner (junior vice president), Sue Vanderheul (secretary and public officer), Sally Fennell (treasurer) and Helen Cranage (publicity officer).
The general committee comprises the Coppings, the afore-mentioned office-holders along with Barb Nitschke, Susie Hutchesson, Katrina Keatley, Irene Dickens, Sandy Bell, Carol Garner, Lynne Stupple, Ian Nitschke, Kathleen Staude and Pearl Lang.
Michael Schultz continues as auditor while the Millicent Show Society patrons for 2023 are Mayor Des Noll, Brian Foster, Ada Gurney and Neville Hutchesson.
