[PRESS RELEASE] 90-year-old volunteer, committed couple, and mid-north coast innovator are finalists in state award

Over 20 nominations were received for an annual the state's agricultural shows dedication award being announced this Saturday, with the four finalists coming from the Hunter Valley, South Coast and Mid North Coast.

"This award highlights countless hours of service, years of commitment, and notable contributions," AgShows NSW CEO Brooke Beales said. 

"These events continue to thrive, with an estimated volunteer attendance last year exceeding 16,000 people across 192 shows. As always it was very hard to narrow down to four finalists," she added.

Ray Piper is 90 years young and has been volunteering for the Kiama Show Society for over 65 years. 

Serving as a cattle section steward for over 50 years and supporting all show sections, Ray is always the first to arrive and last to leave during show prep week.

"Even at 90, Ray's enthusiasm and hard work set a remarkable example for all of us, embodying the true spirit of our agricultural shows," AgShows NSW President Jill Chapman said.

A dedicated couple in the Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Association Inc, Robert and Marie Kildey, are award finalists. 

The Kildey's have dedicated decades to the show movement, spending over 20 years on the management committee and earning life member and patron titles. They introduced innovations such as cattle, photography, pet shows, trade shows, baking competitions, and a spring horse show. 

"Robert has been competing at the show since 1954 and Marie since 1957. He served as senior vice president for 15 years, and their enduring passion continues to inspire future generations," President Jill Chapman said. Interestingly, Robert and Marie's love story began at the show too. 

Owen Nicholson is an octogenarian showing no signs of slowing down his involvement in the Dungog A&H Association. 

For almost 25 years he has served as secretary and countless more years on the general committee. He has a very important responsibility in safeguarding the showground's heritage. Even in his 80s, Owen still works tirelessly to maintain the showgrounds in the Hunter Valley. 

"Owen's encyclopaedic knowledge and steadfast leadership have been invaluable to the local community," President Jill Chapman said.

If it wasn't for Gillian Anderson, the Bellingen Show may no longer exist. The current vice president implemented significant changes to ensure the sustainability and growth of the event, which is held annually on the mid-north coast. She launched new events such as celebrity chef cooking demonstrations to keep engaging patrons.

"Gillian's strategic thinking and dedication have made the show more inclusive and relevant than ever," said President Jill Chapman.

Last year the late Lyn Goulder was posthumously recognised for her 70 years of dedication to the Bowral Show Society. 

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AgShows NSW is the peak body representing the 192 agricultural shows. Shows have been part of most towns in NSW since their inception. Estimated volunteer numbers are in excess of 16,000 over 192 shows. Estimated annual visitor attendance at country shows is over 1,200,000 across 192 shows.