Agricultural
25 August, 2025
Show Society President Carol Lyall re-elected for 2025/26
The Annual General Meeting of the Show Society was held on Sunday with a good turnout of members. The Meeting was chaired by Brett Boatfield, President of Stanthorpe Show Society.
Introducing the 2025/2026 Executive Committee:
President: Carol Lyall
Co-Vice President: Chrissie Hopper
Co-Vice President: Shirley Cornhill
Secretary: Mark Smith
Treasurer: Stacey Neilson
Management Committee: Ian Tate, Robyn Westerman, Joe Mahar and John Lee Lewes
Mel C is continuing on in her bookkeeping role and grant writer extraordinaire.
President Carol thanked Mel L and Danielle for their amazing contributions and welcomed Mark and Stacey as they step into their new roles.
Excerpts from the President’s annual report -
“What has made this year truly special, though, is the people. I’ve had the privilege of building strong and meaningful relationships — with our local council, James Lister MP, the Showman’s Guild, our trade stall operators, the fabulous Wicki ladies and Sports & Rec Commission, local businesses and tradespeople, neighbouring Show Societies, the Darling Downs Sub-Chamber, and organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Lifeline’s Farmer to Farmer initiative. Your support and shared belief in what we do have meant more than words can express.
Our Equestrian Group has continued to do amazing things, hosting fundraising events in support of vital local charities — from our Pink Day for Blush Cancer Care to Purple for Protea Place (DV support), and Blue for the Toowoomba Prostate Cancer Support Group. Together, these events raised over $7000, and we’re proud to be giving back to the community that gives us so much.
But perhaps what fills my heart most is seeing our community reconnect with the Showgrounds — rebuilding trust, pride, and a sense of ownership. These grounds don’t belong to a committee; they belong to Allora. The grounds are not just fences and sheds — they come alive because of the people who use them, love them, and support them.
Financially, while we may not be overflowing with funds, we’ve achieved something significant — we’re now debt-free. That’s a huge milestone, and it gives us a fresh foundation to dream big and move forward into 2026 with confidence .
Let’s make 2026 bigger, brighter, and even better — with pride in our hearts and smiles on our faces.”
