The Sarina Show Society was established on the 25th August 1964 to provide the local community with an annual community event being the Agricultural Show. Mr W A Hoey (known in the community as Bill) was elected President and continued to be the President for the next 20 years with Mr RT Shailer as Secretary and Mr EA Rich as Treasurer.

 

The Sarina Show Society now has 3rd generation family members involved in the committee and the running of the show. The first Annual Show was held on Saturday 31st July 1965 at the original showgrounds on Biltoft Street which is now the Football & Athletics grounds. It started as a one day show with admission fees being 6 shillings for Adults and 3 shillings for Children. Pensioner's admission was free but could be called on to assist if required.

 

In 1969 it was decided to start the show on the Friday night as well as the usual Saturday Agricultural Show continuing throughout the day. The first Rodeo was held in 1997 and was organised by local man, Mr John Smith. In August 1965 the Secretary wrote to the Trustees of the old Sarina Racecourse to negotiate the transfer of Trusteeship of the Racecourse to the Show Society which was successful and in April 1968 the three trustees appointed for the Show Society were Mr Hoey, Mr M Ivory and Mr H Perry. In 1981 the first ever two day show was held in the new grounds on the Bruce Highway. The first "Showgirl" competition was held before1989 with girls being sponsored with the aim to find a young woman to act as an Ambassador for our Region with her role involving many official and informal duties at other shows in our region. 1981 the Show Society received $1000 for the wooden horse stalls, which were upgraded in 2001.

 

Since then the Show Society has been very lucky to receive other grants from the Qld Government Community Gambling fund, the Mackay Regional Council, the Qld Agricultural Societies and the Community Bank Sarina - Bendigo Bank which has allowed us to purchase items such as Aluminium Seating, Cold Rooms, Lawn Mower etc. Over the years the Show Society has continued to improve the grounds with a new bar area being built, new toilet blocks installed, an undercover area for market stalls, new meeting rooms and renovations to older areas.

2026 will see the Sarina Show Society undertake the development of a Master Plan to support the ongoing improvement, sustainability, and long-term future of the Showgrounds precinct, ensuring it continues to serve the community for generations to come.

 

The Sarina Showgrounds is a highly valued community facility that is regularly utilised by a wide range of local organisations, including the Sarina Pony Club, Sarina Kennel Club, Queensland Mud Trials Association, and the Sarina Netball Association, to name just a few.

Over the years, the precinct has evolved from being primarily the home of the annual Sarina Show to becoming a vibrant multi-purpose venue hosting a diverse range of events and activities. In addition to the Show, the grounds now accommodate our popular monthly markets, fortnightly cattle sales, Poultry Club events, Lions Club activities and the Muay Thai boxing club.  The venue also attracts visiting caravanning groups, and a variety of private functions and community events throughout the year.

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This increasing level of utilisation highlights the importance of the Showgrounds as a key community asset, supporting social, recreational, agricultural, and economic activities across the region.

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The Sarina Show Society is always looking for volunteers and new members.  If you are interested, please get in contact with us.