Page 3 - The Outdoor Showman January-March 2024

VSG President’s Page
VSG President’s Report
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 1
Dear Members, fellow Showmen, industry friends and readers,
I extend warm greetings to our members and readers as we embark on another year filled with opportunities and challenges alike. As your President, it is both an honor and a privilege to address you in our first edition of the magazine for the year 2024.
For most reports the summer carnival season were good...
Some were fortunate with good weather; others not so much, experiencing wet weather and flooding. Most carnivals noticed a slight downturn, which many expected considering the current climate and financial pressures felt by many.
We’ve just finished the Royal Canberra Show; the Show was a slow start due to the weather Friday, but overall a successful show. Safe arrival in Goulburn, and getting ready for their Show this weekend; then we head into Victoria for Melbourne’s Moomba festival.
Moomba turns 70 this year and is Australia’s largest free community festival. The festival will once again run along the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River over the Labour Day long weekend, 7 - 11 March 2024.
I was deeply saddened to say goodbye to my aunty Suzie Zacchini last week. She’ll be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
Thankfully, some welcomed happier news; our daughter Elle has just given birth to a beautiful baby boy Louie, born on the 19th February. We are all so delighted.
As we set our sights on the months ahead, we do so with a sense of optimism
and determination. Our primary objective remains unchanged—to foster the growth and prosperity of our members while preserving the heritage and essence of our unique industry. To achieve this goal, we have some key priorities for the coming months:
1. Advocacy and Representation: We will continue to advocate for the interests of our members by engaging with relevant stakeholders, policymakers, and authorities.
2. Collaboration and Solidarity: We recognise the importance of collaboration within our organisation. Through mutual support, cooperation, and camaraderie, we can overcome challenges more effectively and achieve greater success collectively.
3. Safety and Compliance: The safety and well-being of our patrons, staff, and participants are paramount. As such, we will uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance across all our activities and events. By prioritising safety, we can instill confidence and trust in our audience and stakeholders.
4. Innovation and Adaptation: In a rapidly evolving landscape, innovation and adaptation are essential for staying relevant and competitive. We encourage our members to embrace new technologies, trends, and strategies that can enhance the appeal and sustainability of our offerings.
I am confident that by working together with dedication, passion, and integrity, we can overcome any obstacles and achieve remarkable success in the year ahead.
On behalf of the executive committee, I extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support, participation, and contribution to the Guild. Together, let us make 2024 a year of growth, prosperity, and fulfillment.
Safe travels,
Elwin Bell Jnr. President
PO Box 36
Ascot Vale Victoria Australia 3032
Telephone: (03) 9376 8544 Email: vicshowmen@gmail.com victorianshowmensguild.com.au
Office:
Shop 1. 157 Mt Alexander Road Flemington VIC 3031
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Office Bearers 2024 PRESIDENT
Elwin Leroy Bell
VICE PRESIDENTS
Bob Brown Jnr. Emile Verfurth III Adam Reardon John Roberts Brady Phillips Clayton Taylor Gary Johnson Broderick Pavier Aaron Pink Bernard Young IV
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Annette Calder Andrew Quay Charlie Miller (Bris) Travis Taylor
James Hudson-Quay Aaron Ribbons
Les ‘Chippa’ Chant Josh-Allan Reardon Kyle Quay
SECRETARY
Eileen McClure
TREASURER
Terrence Moon
TRUSTEE
Marjorie Chant
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Justine Sinclair