Augmented Creative
Augmented Creative is an open organization of like-minded and highly dedicated, creative people who conceive, plan and execute visual solutions. We pursue new and innovative visual ideas to help…
read moreAustralia's 587 agricultural shows collectively attract more than 5.9 million people a year and deliver an economic impact of at least $965 million per annum according to a new study.
Released during the Brisbane Ekka, the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc (QCAS) study suggests that while visitor numbers to Queensland's agricultural shows have increased by 13.7% over the past three years, overall visitor numbers and the show movement in general are in decline with fewer shows operating and fewer people attending shows than 12 years ago.
However, agricultural shows remain one of the major recreation and leisure activities that Australians are able to participate in, with 25% of Australians attending a show annually, behind 35% of Australians who attend zoos.
QCAS Chief Executive Mark Bryant explains "we are very happy that so many people attend their local show, but we want to increase the visitor numbers in both rural and city areas."
In commissioning the study, An Economic & Social Impact Study of Australian Agricultural Shows - conducted by Zark Consultancy, QCAS set out to identify and measure the economic and social impact of Australian agricultural shows with the aim of providing valuable information to those who support the show movement through participation, sponsorship and volunteerism.
Based on document analysis and feedback from 1,900 people, the results present governments and community stakeholders with a clearer understanding of how the show movement plays an important role in increasing social capital and economic development.
The report explains "agricultural shows have been part of the Australian culture since 1822 and are strongly connected to local communities through volunteerism and the educational, competitive and cultural experiences they provide."
Among other key findings, the report highlights:
The report also suggests that to increase the impact of agricultural shows, show societies need advice, training and support in the areas of:
1. Building the capacity of show societies;
2. Increasing financial management skills and revenue-raising strategies;
3. Increasing community engagement;
4. Promoting and enhancing youth participation; and
5. Increasing strategic planning to ensure the popularity and sustainability of the show.
To reverse the decline in show numbers and overall attendance, the report suggests that "show societies may need to establish new and improved ways of attracting and engaging visitors and sponsors, marketing, fundraising, and conducting research."
It also highlights the importance of recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers and that "without them the show movement will definitely cease to exist."
It continues "show societies need to review their volunteer recruitment strategies and engage younger people with a broad skill base if they are to once again become the 'must-see' cultural and recreational event of the year."
Bryant concludes "this research has helped us identify what we need to do to recruit more volunteers, competitors and sponsors. Without these supporters, agricultural shows could cease to exist."
For more information contact QCAS on 07 3252 1630, E: admin@queenslandshows.com.au, www.queenslandshows.com.au
Image courtesy of Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
14th June 2012 - STUDY TO REVEAL IMPACT OF COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY SHOWS
8th August 2012 - 2012 EKKA PROMISES FAMILY SAVINGS
12th September 2011 - ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW WELCOMES 500,000 VISITORS
10th August 2009 - BUSY WEEKEND FOR BRISBANE EKKA
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Click here to view our subscription options.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Augmented Creative is an open organization of like-minded and highly dedicated, creative people who conceive, plan and execute visual solutions. We pursue new and innovative visual ideas to help…
read moreWe live for media production and global events, providing real-time networks for video, audio, data and communications.
read moreCompliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions
read moreClubware’s online gym software is not your run of the mill management system. It has been carefully designed to incorporate all the elements that a fitness club would need. How did we do that?…
read moreThe world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreSince 2019, Active World's development team has been delivering a comprehensive single solution that caters to the diverse requirements of successfully operated and managed leisure centres. The…
read moreOriginally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…
read moreYellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!