Wee Waa Show set to celebrate 90th event this August

The Wee Waa Show Society is putting the finishing touches on its 90th show, with the gates set to open on Friday, 14 August and Saturday, 15 August.

President Gary Hibbens said the milestone show would stick close to the format locals know and love, rather than introduce big changes.

“We have a really good following for our show and the local community really support what we do and how we go about it,” Mr Hibbens said.

“No, we didn’t want to mix up what’s working,” he said.

Mr Hibbens has been part of the Society for more than 15 years and is now in his sixth year as president. He said preparations were well underway on the Wee Waa showground.

“It’s a very, very busy time of year for me personally,” Mr Hibbens said.

“It’s pretty much a matter of just finalising everything at this point and making sure that we are prepared, really,” he said.

While the Wee Waa Show Society was formed in 1913, the first show was held in 1926. A run of missed years through COVID, the Second World War and various droughts and floods means this year’s event marks the 90th show rather than the 100th anniversary of that first gathering.

“This is going to be our 90th event,” Mr Hibbens said.

Dry conditions earlier in the year have forced the cancellation of two popular events. The Saturday afternoon team camp draft and dog trial will not go ahead in 2026.

“It has influenced the Show a little; it was a bit dry start to the year, so that hasn’t helped,” Mr Hibbens said.

“Unfortunately we just don’t have the livestock available to be able to run those events this year,” he said.

Mr Hibbens said the Society did not want to compromise on animal welfare.

“We don’t want to have any issues with poor livestock and things,” he said.

Organisers are hoping to draw visitors from further afield this year, with advertising pushed out into Narrabri and the wider New England North West.

“It is quite difficult these days. I think we’re more connected now than we’ve ever been, but it seems to be a struggle to try and let people know when things are on,” Mr Hibbens said.

There is good news for the horse events, with upgrades made to the main ring ahead of the show.

“The showground trust has put a lot of work into the ring this year to try and improve the surface for our horse events, which is greatly appreciated,” Mr Hibbens said.

Tickets are on sale online ahead of the show, with a discount on gate prices.

“Tickets available online, but of course they will be available at the gate as well, but a little bit cheaper online,” Mr Hibbens said.

The Society’s major raffle is back for another year, with prizes donated by local businesses including Kenway’s, which has supplied an Engel fridge.

The Young Woman competition will also return, with Mr Hibbens praising this year’s contenders.

“We have been quite lucky to get the girls that we have to represent us and they are all very strong contenders this year,” he said.

Mr Hibbens said the committee was looking forward to welcoming the community back to the showground.

“We’re just very excited. You know, we’ve got the favourites and trying to keep things exciting, and they’re really looking forward to it, mate,” Mr Hibbens said.