For more than 100 years a “must see” attraction at any Sydney Royal Easter Show is the District Exhibits displays of produce.
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Nowadays these giant dioramas can be found in the iconic “The Dome” at each Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
While they attract the admiration of almost everyone who visits the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the District Exhibits are a great sense of pride amongst the communities that make up each of the traditional five “courts” (Royal Agricultural Society of NSW regions) in NSW and South East Queensland.
While each display attracts the votes of the public, leading to “The People’s Choice Award”, behind the scenes it is a very serious business, with expert judges spending many hours examining the produce in intricate detail and awarding points for the quality of the contents of each display.
However the success of these exhibits is very much about the commitment of individuals, including selfless volunteers committed to making them happen.
The Central District is the most successful of the districts in the history of the competition which began in 1911.
Central District has won the prestigious District Exhibit Shield Perpetual Trophy a staggering 29 times, including an almost uninterrupted domination from 1973 through to 1998 when the Sydney Royal Easter Show debuted at its new and current home at Sydney Olympic Park.
Central District includes townships and surrounds from Gunnedah and Narrabri in the west, east through Armidale to the coast south of Coffs Harbour and then south to Gosford.
“Central District has always taken a great deal of pride from our District Exhibit displays at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and we have had phenomenal success – in fact we are the most successful District of all,” said Diana Lisle, Central District court organiser.
“However there is always a lot of work involved and these displays can never come together each year without planning, a community spirit and top class product.
“If there is anyone in our district who is willing and able to volunteer their time, carpentry skills, muscle, ‘know how’ and enthusiasm, we would love to hear from you,” she said.
Diana can be contacted on 0429 799 083.
