Page 8 - The Outdoor Showman January - March 2025

Show 2025 The Deniliquin The Deniliquin
The Demolition Derby:
A Crowd Favorite Returns
The Deniliquin Pastoral & Agricultural
Society has continuously contributed
to the promotion and sustainability
of rural culture. One of the Societys
modern-day legacies is the
connection to the world-renowned
Deni Ute Muster. While the Ute
Muster itself officially began in 1999
to raise much needed funds for
drought relief, the Deniliquin Pastoral
& Agricultural Society’s roots in
celebrating rural life paved the way
for the event which now attracts
thousands of visitors annually to
celebrate Aussie rural culture with
our ‘Beaut Ute’ Competition. Australia
Day 2025 saw the opening of the time
capsule put together by the local
branch of the Rotary Club. Inside
was a selection of items from the
committee at the time including a
ribbon from our Ute Competition.
Over the years we may not have
reached the scale or national name
of the Muster, but we certainly still
like to join the excitement and let
our inner dare devil or rev head,
if you will, shine when we can.
Enter: The Demolition Derby!
For fans of high-octane action, the
Demolition Derby is must-see. This
thrilling event, which quickly become
a crowd favorite from its first year,
and after a hiatus of some years came
back better than ever around 5 years
ago. This years comp promising plenty
of excitement as cars smash and crash
in a battle to be the last one standing.
We are promoting the competition
amongst female circles as well with
the introduction of a females heat.
Women are still welcome to enter the
regular heats regardless, but for those
that are concerned they’ll knock out
the blokes too efficiently we’ve opened
up the opportunity for an all female
comp. The Derby adds an exhilarating
twist to the Deni Show, offering
an exciting experience that draws
cheers from spectators of all ages.
A Strong Female Leadership Team
For the last 5 years The show
committee is proud to be led by an
all-female executive team. This shift
represents a significant moment in
the show’s history, as it embraces
the leadership and vision of women
in roles that were once traditionally
held by men. The all-female team
is passionate about empowering
women and creating a welcoming
environment for future leaders.
As our 2022 Young Woman and
now our Next Gen representative,
Shelby Taggart said: “We are proud
to lead the charge for the show, and
it’s exciting to see more women
stepping up to roles of leadership
in our community. The future is
bright for the Deniliquin Show, and
we are honored to be a part of its
vibrant legacy.” In recent years the
trio of women and their leadership,
has proven essential in navigating
some of the challenges faced by
the Society. They guided the show
through the Pandemic of 2020, and
more recently the devastating floods
of 2022 that consumed whole the
grounds and the buildings located
there. The resilience and unwavering
“she’ll be right” attitude of the team—
echoing the rural spirit that defines
Deniliquin—has been vital in ensuring
the show’s continuity and success.
All Photos Credit: Ryan Heffer and Mel Anderson, Deniliquin P & A Society
6 THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN
6 THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN