By Susan Lumsdaine
BELLINGEN, NSW – In the face of relentless rainfall that forced the cancellation of its beloved annual show, the Bellingen community is demonstrating its unwavering spirit. Despite the Bellingen Showground being deemed unsafe, the 144-year-old tradition will continue in modified forms.
In the face of adversity, the true character of a community shines through. This past week, as prolonged rainfall rendered the Bellingen Showground unsafe, the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2025 Bellingen Show. Yet, in typical Bellingen fashion, this 144-year-old tradition refuses to be washed away completely.
The Bellinger River Agricultural Society (BRAS), powered by volunteers since 1881, has long been the backbone of our beloved Show. Their vision has always been to create “a sustainable, inclusive community event which reflects the past, celebrates the present and looks to the future.” Even as the main event cannot proceed, this vision persists.
The Show Goes On – Just Differently
Agricultural education remains at the heart of the Show’s mission. Melissa Spillett, Bellingen High Ag teacher and Bellingen Show Cattle team member, will still run a competition for her agricultural students at Bellingen High School this week. Students will parade their cattle for judging by Brett Weick, the Show’s Chief Cattle Steward, with committee members present to support students and present ribbons.
The popular All Ages Colouring Competition continues, with entries to be delivered to Sweet Bellingen by 5pm on Thursday 22 May. Winners will have their work displayed in Sweet Bellingen’s window over what would have been Show weekend, and all advertised prize money will be awarded, plus some additional gifts from Sweet Bellingen and the Old Butter Factory Cafe.
Perhaps most exciting is that the two-day SustainaBellingen Showcase, planned as part of the Show, will now move to the Memorial Hall. This impressive sustainability-focused event features an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Graham Creed (former ABC weatherman turned farmer), Andrew the Bird Guy (local bird expert aka Andrew Turbill), representatives from the NSW Department of Environment Climate Change and Water, Jaliigirr and the Koala Dogs, and many more. Interactive panel discussions will tackle pressing issues like climate change, wildlife conservation, and building community resilience.
The SustainaBellingen Showcase represents the evolving nature of the Bellingen Show, embracing environmental stewardship alongside agricultural tradition. It’s being presented free of charge as a gift to our community from the Bellinger River Agricultural Society.
Even the famous Luncheon Room fare will make an appearance, with morning and afternoon teas offering scones with jam and cream, orange and almond cake and delicious mini quiche. Visit https://www.bellingenshow.com.au/attractions-sustainabellingen-showcase for more information.
Bellingen Show Raffle Continues
The excitement of the Bellingen Show Raffle continues despite the Show’s cancellation. The raffle will be drawn on Sunday afternoon at the SustainaBellingen Showcase. Thanks to all our generous local donors for the amazing prizes on offer, which include:
• Bellingen Kitchen Shop - $500 Voucher
• Cynthia Miller Art - Original framed artwork
• Lilypad Luxury Cabins - Accommodation valued at $650
• Awl Leather - $250 Gift Voucher
• Wilkins Carpentry + Roofing - $165 Voucher
• Three Blue Ducks - $150 voucher
• Bellingen Potters Collective - $100 Voucher
• The Emporium - $60 Stationery pack
Raffle tickets will be available at the Show’s IGA Street stall tomorrow, and at the Memorial Hall on the weekend, and will continue to support the Bellinger River Agricultural Society. Don’t miss your chance to win one of these fantastic prizes while supporting a cherished community institution.
Two Ways to Support the Bellingen Show
Become a Committee Member
The Show is actively seeking the next generation of community leaders to help shape its future through direct involvement. As Society President Susan Lumsdaine notes, “To keep this wonderful tradition thriving for future generations, we’re looking for people who want to be part of something special and make a real difference in our community.”
Committee members take on specific roles in organising and running the Show, from managing competitions to coordinating volunteers. This hands-on involvement allows you to directly shape the Show’s future direction. The Society offers mentorship opportunities where newcomers can learn from experienced volunteers, ensuring a smooth transition of knowledge and skills built up over many years.
If you have ideas for the Show’s future or specific skills to contribute, joining the committee allows you to put these into action. Committee members meet monthly from September to June to plan all aspects of the Show. Contact the secretary on secretary@bellingenshow.com.au for more information.
Become a Member
For those who want to support the Show but can’t commit to committee responsibilities, becoming a member is the perfect option. Membership provides crucial financial support that ensures the Show’s continued operation.
“Membership is more than just Show entry—it’s about investing in a community institution that has brought us together for generations,” says Susan Lumsdaine. Members receive benefits at the annual Show, as well as voting rights at the AGM and an invitation to the annual planning meeting where planning for the next year’s Show gets underway.
Membership is an accessible way for everyone in the community to demonstrate their support for this historic institution while having some say in its future without the time commitment of committee involvement. Visit https://www.bellingenshow.com.au/become-a-member to purchase membership.
A Community’s Resilience
The cancellation of the 2025 Bellingen Show reminds us of the power of adaptation and community spirit. While we may miss the excitement of the Woodchop, the beauty of the horse events, the creativity in the Pavilion, and the joy of all the other exhibits and events, the essence of what makes the Bellingen Show special – our community coming together – continues in these alternative events.
As the Show’s own materials remind us, “The key to making a real difference lies in embracing sustainability and resilience and bringing it to life at the local level.” This year, our community is demonstrating exactly that resilience.
So let’s support these alternative events, consider becoming members, and ensure that when the 2026 Show rolls around, it will be more vibrant than ever. After all, the Show “is not just about the competitions - it’s about catching up with mates, spending time with family, and feeling the buzz of our awesome community.” That spirit continues, rain or shine.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Bellingen Show - 9 & 10 May.
SustainaBellingen Showcase Program
Memorial Hall, May 24-25, 2025
A fringe event originally planned for the Bellingen Show and provided free to our community.
Join us in the Studio at the Memorial Hall for two full days of inspiring talks, interactive panel discussions, informative workshops, and community connection—all centered around sustainability, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
In the Studio
• 8:45am | Welcome to Country
• 9:00am | Powering Change: Electrification for the Future with Geoff Tosio
• 10:00am - 10:30am | Climate Insights: Understanding Our Changing Weather with Graham Creed, Former ABC Weatherman
• 10:30am - 11:00am | Morning Tea
• 11:00am - 11:30am | Bringing Biodiversity Home: Attracting Birds to Your Garden with Andrew the Bird Guy
• 11:30am - 12:30pm | HYPOTHETICAL: Sustainable Futures for Our Shire Featuring: Graham Creed, Rob Curnow - Community Psychologist, Luke Barbagallo from Reconstruction NSW, and Dr Lisa Seigel, Centre for Ecological Learning
• 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Lunch
• 1:00pm - 1:30pm | NSW National Parks Association (Coffs Coast Branch) Featuring: “Whispers of Wilderness” film screening, and Paula Flack speaking about The Great Koala National Park
• 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Jaliigirr and the Koala Dogs
• 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Afternoon Tea
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Women Who Farm
• 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Weather and Climate Change Panel Graham Creed, Kev Doye – Bellingen Weather and Andrew Turbill - (local ecologist and climate expert)
• 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Harmony for Health: The Benefits of Community Singing with performance by Akabella, Bellingen’s Community Choir
On the Balcony/in the Bunker Room
• All day | Alex from the Bellingen Alternatives Bookshop
• All day | Geoff Tosio from Better Volt Solar and Batteries showcasing renewable energy solutions
SUNDAY, MAY 25
In the Studio
• 10:00am - 11:00am | “You Can’t Ask That”: An Inclusive Conversation with Jennie Fenton, Marla Colmer and friends
• 11:00am - 11:15am | Morning Tea
• 11:15am - 12:00pm | Practical Steps for Living Sustainably with Graham Creed
• 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Harmony for Health: The Benefits of Community Singing with performance by Bellingen Singers
• 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Saving Our Native Species: The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle Recovery with Chris Ormond and Colleagues from the NSW Department of Environment Climate Change and Water
• 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Lunch
• 2:00pm - 2:45pm | The Waste Wizard with Jules Laurent talking all things waste and circular
• 2:45pm - 3:30pm | Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation with WIRES
On the Balcony/in the Bunker Room
• All day | Alex from the Bellingen Alternatives Bookshop
• 11:00am - 1:00pm | Carole Sampson from Bellingen Shire Council with the SIM table
• 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Chris Ormond and DECC staff to chat about our Bellinger River Snapping Turtle
Morning and afternoon teas available from the Bellingen Show Luncheon Room crew.
Bellingen show-2024
Bellingen show-2024