Bingara Show Society

“The present time seems inopportune and owing to the wave of depression, today’s difficulties overshadow yesterday’s triumphs and obscure the bright visions of tomorrow. What better advertisement for our district than the fact that Bingara can hold its first show, and what is more, show the world that Bingara and its people will meet their troubles in the same manner that their forebears overcame their difficulties.”
Written by H. Gordon Munro for the first Show program (1931).

These words still ring true today as many things still trouble our community, but we aspire to continue to meet those difficulties and challenges head on, as past show societies have done. Working together as a community has meant that we are able to keep the proud tradition of the Bingara Show Society alive.

The Bingara Show was founded in April 1930, when a meeting was called to form a committee. The first general meeting was held in August 1930, where H. Gordon Munro was elected President, a position that he would hold for the next 25 years.

The first Bingara Show was held in March 1931, and was a great success. Since then, the show has had to survive through the great depression, World War ll, many droughts and financial situations that have seen the show go from a three day show, to a two day show and when things got tough a one day show.

The Bingara Showground has undergone a remarkable transformation since its early beginnings. At the turn of the century during Garry O’Neil’s presidency, major upgrades were done as a result of grants. The new Campdraft arena was built, power and water were installed on the hill, and a new toilet block was constructed on the eastern side of the grounds. Many hours and dollars were spent to have the grounds ready for the 2004 Australian Campdraft Championships which had over 2000 entries.

The improved infrastructure is what attracted the Campervan and Motorhome Rally in October 2008. Additional power was required to supply the 3000 campers who stayed for over a week and as a thank you for the wonderful facilities, additional buildings were constructed and upgraded by the caravanners. The showground is now renowned state wide and boasts some of the best facilities in rural Australia.