Eric Hutchinson (Lyons, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tasmania's annual Campbell Town Show last week celebrated its 176th anniversary with another outstanding event. The first Campbell Town Show was held in 1838, making it the oldest agricultural show of its type in the southern hemisphere. It is a great example of a community event which exhibits the true meaning of city meeting country. Attractions include horse riding, dog trials, farm machinery exhibits and, indeed, high fashion as well as an outstanding home industries display.

Traditionally the focus has been on merino sheep and wool, with superfine wool producers competing for the prestigious Ermenegildo Zegna trophy. The Bruce Forster Memorial trophy recognises extraordinary service to the wool industry, as exemplified by the man in whose honour the trophy is presented. This year's winner was Bob Saunders from Longford.

This year, alongside the traditional attractions, was a new emphasis on dairying. The Midlands irrigation scheme is about to be open and with it a new era of prosperity for agriculture in the Midlands of Tasmania. A forum was organised by Roberts Limited, chaired by respected dairy producer Grant Rogers and featured keynote speakers such as Paul Bennett, Bill Chilvers and Grant Archer. My congratulations go to the committee of the Midlands Agricultural Association—John Taylor, Pip Gibson and secretary/treasurer retiring Julie Bingley—on organising another wonderful event again this year.