Springsure Show 2016

Agricultural shows across Queensland are using their own stage to help educate communities about the real issues of today’s society, and for the Springsure P&A Show Society, the topic for 2016 was organ donations.

Suzie Walters, Minnamurra Limousins, Springsure, with Minnamurra Jessica’s Rainbow, and the Springsure State School Cattle Camp team. Cody Killalea, Dylan Mayne, Sam Monds, Chantelle Peterson handling Minnamurra Nathan’s Mate, and Dayne McGrath. Kneeling are Charlotte Sullivan, Rory Killalea, Nicholas Walters and Tim Monds.

Opening the Springsure Show on the weekend was Associate Professor David Gracey, a kidney transplant surgeon and a senior staff specialist in the Renal Unit at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and the statewide Renal Transplant Service. Professor Gracey discussed the importance of donating organs to a large crowd at Springsure, and stressed the importance of having the conversation about organ donations with friends and family.

Well known ring announcer Angus Lane acknowledges the work of Associate Professor David Gracey at the official opening of the Springsure Show 2016.

“People can say yes to donating organs, but your family can go against your wishes afterwards. Therefore it is very important to discuss this topic with those close to you before it is too late,” Professor Gracey said. “There was an 18 year old who sadly lost his life, but thanks to his family following his wishes his organs were donated and they went on to save nine other lives.” Professor Gracey hoped that by making the trek from Sydney to Springsure in Central Queensland, it would motivate people to think seriously about becoming an organ donator.

Well known ring announcer Angus Lane couldn’t have agreed more with Professor Gracey’s message. Mr Lane’s own son ended up in intensive care due to kidney failure. He said his son was one of the lucky ones who received a transplant and now has “a magnificent life”. Mr Lane paid a special tribute to the anonymous donor who kindly donated their organs so that his son could live.

Up and coming youngster Adam Harvey, Clermont, after his first attempt at parading cattle.

Prior to the formalities at the official opening on Saturday, patrons to the Springsure Show enjoyed a farmer’s challenge on Friday night which kept everyone of all ages entertained. Local competitors had to bob for apples, put windmill pumps back together and endure a sack bag race in a one tonne fertiliser bag with all four team members inside.

In the horse ring, Renae Simpson rode Top Contenda to win her fourth consecutive supreme champion hack award on the Central Highlands circuit, while the cattle section saw a young star emerge as Adam Harvey, Clermont, won the seven to under 13 years junior parading competition. It was his first time ever competing in the show ring.