Press Release: 31st October 2024
The Future of Riverina Field Days. Coro Club Announces End of Riverina Field Days Event
It is with great disappointment that the Coro Club announces it will no longer host the Riverina Field Days beyond 2024. This decision follows an extensive review involving the Board of Directors, Coro Club staff, and consultation with multiple exhibitors, resulting in the board unanimously voting not to proceed with the event in 2025 or beyond.
The Riverina Field Days, which has been a significant event for the Griffith & Agricultural community, faced a multitude of challenges over the past number of years that have led to this difficult decision.
Coro Club General Manager Jason Torresan stated, “The event requires seven months of intensive planning. With the Coro Club about to undergo major renovations that have already been delayed by six months, we must focus our resources and priority to be on the club’s future development.”
The loss of key staff member Koala Jones not long after this years event, also has a significant impact on the future planning and operations of the event. “Without Koala’s expertise, it became increasingly difficult to manage the complexities of the event.” Torresan added.
The decision was not taken lightly, but several key factors contributed to the outcome. While many people within the community called for a date change, this proved to be one of the most difficult challenges. The diverse nature of our local agricultural industries—ranging from horticulture to broadacre farming—means there is no single time of year that suits all sectors. “We considered the farming calendar carefully, but there never seems to be a good month that aligns with both the farmers’ needs and ideal weather conditions. Our region’s diversity is a strength, but it complicates the timing for an event like this,” Torresan explained.
Additionally, there is an ‘annual roster’ of planned agricultural field days across Australia, with many exhibitors travelling from north to south to attend these events. Finding a date that did not clash with these shows further limited the options, making it even more challenging to find a suitable window for Riverina Field Days.
“Choosing a date that didn’t clash with another field day where we would lose exhibitors was proving difficult. The weather is probably the most significant factor of all.”
Griffith’s unpredictable weather has often made the event a logistical challenge. In recent years, wet weather has caused significant damage to the Griffith Showgrounds, requiring costly repairs to the club of approximately $25,000 annually. Infrastructure limitations at the Showgrounds, including outdated facilities, drainage issues, and insufficient lighting, have further compounded these difficulties.
Efforts to explore alternative venues, and private farms were also unsuccessful, with no suitable locations identified that could meet the event’s requirements.
Another significant factor has been the diminishing number of volunteers who were instrumental in assisting with the event. “We’ve seen a decline in the availability of volunteers within community groups, which has been a crucial part of making this event a success in past years,” Torresan noted.
Rising costs for event planning have also played a role. Higher overheads, increased insurance premiums, and shifting trends in community support have contributed to the cancellation of many events across the country, and the Riverina Field Days has not been immune to these pressures.
Unfortunately, increases in site lease fees, a reduction in financial support from Griffith City Council, and multiple external parking fines issued to attendees have exacerbated the challenges faced by the event.
The event’s conclusion means Griffith loses an economic boost, as the Riverina Field Days drew thousands of visitors, impacting the town’s economy in its absence.
“We are devastated to see the end of such a significant community event,” said Torresan. “But after considering all the factors, it became clear that the Coro Club can no longer continue hosting the Riverina Field Days in it’s current capacity.”
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of our loyal exhibitors, valued sponsors, Griffith City Council, volunteers, and our dedicated staff for their unwavering support over the years. Your contributions have made Riverina Field Days the vibrant and successful event it has been.”
The Coro Club is now calling for expressions of interest from other organisations that may be willing to take on the event. There is still hope that another group can carry the legacy of Riverina Field Days forward, ensuring that Griffith does not lose another important event in its calendar. “We are encouraging any interested parties to step forward”.
The Coro Club remains committed to the local community and hopes to host some events at their own oval adjacent to the club.
As part of this transition, the Coro Club will be in contact with all exhibitors affected by this announcement.
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