New leadership for Show Society

Dorothy Lockyer, Jessira Saunders,Chris Sole, Richard Post, Callan Schaefer and Anne Starr

29th Jul 2025

The Guyra Show Society has announced its 2025–26 committee following a highly successful year, with long-serving President Richard Post stepping down after eight years at the helm.
The new committee, elected at the Society’s Annual General Meeting on July 26th, 2025, is led by President Callan Schaefer.
Supporting him are Vice Presidents Richard Post, Anne Starr, and Jessira Saunders. The Guyra Adult Learning Association Inc (GALA). will continue in the role of Secretary, with Chris Sole appointed Treasurer and Ben Evans stepping in as Assistant Treasurer.
Outgoing President Richard Post delivered a heartfelt final address, reflecting on his tenure and the significant milestones achieved in the past year. He described the 2025 Show as a standout success, attracting record crowds and generating a turnover increase of more than 50% year-on-year.
“We took some risks, and we were rewarded for it,” Post said. “The cancer bus, Bull Ride, Lamb Show, kids’ pet dress-up event, Calcutta in front of the bar, and the opening ceremony in the wool section — these were all new ideas brought forward by our members, and the community got behind them. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Post credited the dedication of volunteers and committee members for the event’s success and highlighted operational improvements, such as better traffic management within the showgrounds, with special thanks extended to Chad Williamson for his assistance.
One of the emotional highlights of the year was the presentation of Life Membership to Dorothy Every, recognized for her extraordinary service to the Show Society. “She truly defines what it means to go above and beyond,” said Post.
The President also commended the state of the showgrounds and the productive relationship the Society now enjoys with the local council and other user groups. He noted steady infrastructure improvements over recent years, with more upgrades planned.
Financially, the Show Society is in its strongest position in years.
“In my time as President, the cost of running the show has quadrupled,” Post explained. “But we’ve balanced the books every year, and our healthy bank balance means we’re well-positioned for the future.”
The 2025 Show attracted over $40,000 in sponsorship, reflecting growing community support. Every sponsor received a handwritten thank-you note — a personal touch Post felt was important to maintain.
He extended special thanks to the GALA team — Dorothy, Leonie, Joy, and Jason — along with Treasurer Chris Sole for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
Looking back over his time in leadership, Post recalled the challenges faced during the 2018–19 drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When other shows were forced to cancel, we found a way to make it happen,” he said. “That resilience is something I’ll always be proud of.”
Post explained that his vision for the show had always centered on two goals: winning back families by engaging children and stepping down when the Society was financially strong with leadership ready to guide the next chapter.
“That’s why I’ve nominated for a VP role — to assist in a smooth transition.”
He concluded his final President’s Report with optimism:
“The best years of our show are ahead. Their success will depend on our new leadership’s innovation, and the continued support of our members and community.”

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New leadership for Show Society

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