General News
28 March, 2024
Rob to lead Noorat Show
NEW Noorat Show president Rob Onley has no interest in trying to reinvent the wheel while the iconic agricultural show continues to thrive.
He replaced incumbent president Monica Heffernan last week after she enjoyed an extended leadership period due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Onley said he never envisioned himself as Noorat Show president, but has always aspired to help out where he could.
His involvement with agriculture has been life-long, growing up around Gippsland on a mixed farm before travelling around the country and spending time in the United States.
He returned to the region 15 years ago, including spending the past decade in Noorat.
“I’ve been involved with the Noorat Show for around seven years now after Marty Glennen encouraged me to join the committee,” Mr Onley said.
“Maybe it was a blessing or a curse, but I came on as part of the cattle committee and ended up chief steward of the cattle section.
“There was a bit of a succession plan as I got more involved to help keep everything ticking along before I eventually became junior vice president three years ago, then senior vice president.
“I’m excited to be named president, it was never my intention to seek out higher roles, but it’s exciting because Monica has done a wonderful job and is handing over the reigns in pretty good nick.”
As Western District Newspapers reported following last year’s Noorat Show, it was estimated to have been a record-breaking crowd descending to the Noorat Recreation Reserve.
The success of the 2023 Noorat Show followed years of disruption sdue to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the return of the show in 2022 being hampered by torrential rainfall, but Mr Onley said he was keen to maintain the positive trajectory as the show emerges from uncertainty.
“It’s a bit of a daunting task with the responsibility of knowing the show has been successful in previous years, and even going back further to what a great show it has been for the district,” he said.
“The responsibility rests heavy on your shoulders but I’m excited at the same time because it’s good to give back to the community.
“But it’s a successful show as it goes; I don’t think we need to reinvent the wheel.
“We do need to maintain the current success of the show while adding new things, bringing new ideas and being open to adding a few extra elements.”
Mr Onley said he was thankful to be surrounded by such a strong committee who work tirelessly to ensure the Noorat Show continues to be among the most beloved annual events in the region.
“There’s a crew around us, a big number on the committee, and I’m looking forward to the support I know I’ll get,” he said.
“It takes all of us, not just me.
“It will continue to be a big community effort.”
Mr Onley said he hoped to see big crowds at the 2024 Noorat Show, returning November 16.
“I hope to see everyone get amongst it and enjoy it, because not all agricultural shows are doing well,” he said.
“We, as the Noorat Show, would love to see other shows around the district be just as successful as we are – it’s good for us, good for the community.
“We hope to see everyone come along and support the local show – be that Warrnambool, Camperdown or Colac.
“It’s important for everyone to get out and enjoy it.”
