Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th October 2026
Lifetime membership was awarded to Laurie Harding at the 2025 Port Elliot Show.
Jacqueline Stam was awarded a Lifetime Membership at the 2026 AGM. Both Laurie and Jacqueline have been passionate supporters and volunteers at the Port Elliot Show for many years. The Southern Agricultural Society Inc. would like to thank both of them for their contributions to the society.
Winner – Chris Badenoch – Uraidla Show
2nd – Samantha England-Jones – Strathalbyn Show
3rd – Nicole Pascal – Port Elliot Show
2025 Creative Native – 2nd prize went to Kathy Dennis from the Port Elliot Show
2025 Lauke Prize – 1st Prize went to Karen Stuart from the Port Elliot Show
Congratulations to the Nicole Pascal, Kathy Dennis, and Karen Stuart from the Port Elliot Show. They were all awarded with their prizes at the Southern Country Show Association Annual Dinner held at Strathalbyn Bowling Club on the 2nd of May 2026
After 15 years, Gayle Garrett has resigned from her position at the Southern Agricultural Society Inc. She dedicated 11 years to serving as secretary before transitioning to the role of Administration Manager for an additional 4 years. Gayle has been an irreplaceable asset to the Society. Her dedication in both capacities was outstanding, creating a significant void.
Gayle began her journey as secretary at Port Elliot in 2010, where she implemented many changes, bringing the position into the modern era. In 2022, Gayle transitioned from her role as secretary to become the Administration Manager for the Show. She has been instrumental in enhancing and progressing the trade segment of the show. Last year she implemented Online Ticketing to the Port Elliot Show for the first time.
Gayle will remain active in the country show sector as the secretary of the Southern Country Shows Association.
The team at the Southern Agricultural Society Inc. would like to thank Gayle for her dedication and for her service to the Society. We wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.
Humphrey B. Bear will make two special guest appearances at this year’s Port Elliot Show.
The Port Elliot Show Committee have confirmed that the much-loved bear will perform in the main marquee which is located at the southern end of the main arena on Sunday at 11am and 2.30pm. Humphrey will have the whole family amused with his antics as he presents his dance routines to the sounds of some very popular kiddie’s songs. There will be an opportunity for a ‘meet and greet’ with the lovable bear and even a chance to sneak a picture with him after his performances.
Don’t miss Humphrey B. Bear on the Sunday at this year’s Port Elliot Show which will be held on the last weekend of the school holidays – Saturday October 11 and Sunday October 12 at the Port Elliot Showgrounds.
For the first time in our 145 year history, the Port Elliot Show is making tickets available online! Skip the queues at the gate and head straight into the fun! Buying online is simple, quick and means you won’t miss out on all the entertainment, competitions and family activities our show has to offer. Single Day and Weekend Passes are available. Ticket sales will also still be available at the gate via Cash or EFT.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS today and get ready for a fantastic weekend at the Port Elliot Show!
Please note: online ticket sales will only be available through our ticketing partner Ticketebo – please ensure to only purchase tickets through the official ticket links.
A Fundraising BBQ was held to support Nic Tremaine from Kangaroo Island. Nic is the President of the Parndana Show. He is taking 12 months off to cycle solo and unsupported around Australia to raise money for and promote awareness of Dementia. His aim is to cycle over 40,000 kms and raise $1million. you can find more about Nic’s ride at Distance 4 Dementia. Nic has already completed 9,587 kms and has raised $11,481. He arrived in Victor Harbor today (19/3/25) and met up with George Bennett, a member of the Goolwa and District Bike User Group, who rode with him to the Port Elliot Showgrounds where he was welcomed by Members and friends of the Southern Agricultural Society and the Southern Fleurieu Historical Museum. A total of $1, 041 was raised at the event.
A cheque was presented to Nic by the President of the Southern Agricultural Society, Rosemary Sage.
Photo is of Carol Cary, Michael Scott, Nic Tremaine, Jayne Rayson and Rosemary Sage.
Steve Rogers has stepped down as President of the Southern Agricultural Society Inc after 15 years many years of service to the Society. Steve served as President of the Society over a period of 15 years from 2010 to 2024 and prior to this he served 3 years as Vice President and was involved in the Beef Cattle Section. His leadership has seen the Port Elliot Show grow to become a huge success and it is now the 3rd largest country show in the State.
Michael Scott, the President of the Southern Country Shows Agricultural Societies Council of SA, gave a speech, and presented him Steve with a Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding service to the Society. Our secretary, Carol Cary, presented a gift of an Akubra Hat and a voucher from Mr Menswear, Victor Harbor, to express our thanks to him for his years of dedication and hard work. on behalf of the committee and membership.
At our AGM, which was held on the 28th February 2025, a new committee was elected. This will be led by our new President Rosemary Sage, Vice President 1 Neville Hall, Vice President 2 Deane Perry, Secretary Carol Cary, Treasurer Jayne Rayson.
The Southern Agricultural Society Inc., “Port Elliot Show”, was first held in 1869 and this year was the 143rd show, missing only 11 years since its inception due to floods, fires, two World Wars and Covid. The Show aims to promote the interests of agriculture in the district and provide a platform for residents and other interested parties to display their hobbies and talents.
The two-day event is recognised as the third largest Country Show of the 48 Shows held every year across South Australia, with an attendance in 2023 of 14,000 visitors.
Products and Services required to run the Show are sourced from a wide range of local businesses, while a vast number of volunteers, most of whom are local, are on-site over the show weekend. The Show is thought to be the largest Private event held on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula, and is a credit to all involved, while highlighting the wide range of talent of the organisers.
We estimate that approximately 100 extra volunteers will be needed to run this year’s show. Specifically, these people will be Covid Marshalls who will be required on the grounds at all times while the show is open and at times during the week before.
We also need volunteers who will be “checkers”, counting those entering and exiting the grounds or pavilions to ensure that we do not exceed the number of visitors allowed at any one time.
Obviously, we don’t expect people to be on duty all day, so rosters will be available to let people know when and where around the grounds, their assistance is required.
Hence, if you are a Covid Marshall or willing to be a “checker” during the show, or willing to volunteer with any other activity, please let us know by contacting me as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Gayle (VP1 / Secretary)