Although their town is facing water restrictions and the drought has caused ongoing financial impact to the wider community, a dedicated group of locals in Walgett hope to bring a smile to faces this May with the annual Show.
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The dry weather across most parts of New South Wales has wreaked havoc to many rural towns over the year.
Some owns have had to cancel their annual Shows, including Cobar and Bourke.
"There has been other Show's in the north-west that have been cancelled. We as a committee were absolutely adamant that rain, hail or shine the Show must go on," Walgett Show Society President Scott White said
He said it has been very "tough" and "very dry" in the town.
"The water issues in the Walgett district I think have possibly been the worse in the state, regarding the town actually running out of water, no other town has run out," he explained.
"So to be able to keep our community still living here and trying to keep a lot of the people in town we thought we'd better put on a decent show."
Mr White, who is a farmer, said the prolonged drought has disseminated the whole of north-west NSW.
"Being on two river systems and not having any water has just been cruel and I think it's been playing with people's heads, so to be able to unite the community in some way shape or form I think was probably the most important thing and probably our main objective at the Show," he said.
While the drought has had a terrible impact on farmers and their communities, Mr White said many children in these towns, including Walgett have suffered too, so he hopes their upcoming Show on May 11-12 will lift spirits.
"A lot of the kids haven't been able to go on a holiday or anything... even the school's have stopped doing big excursions because the kids can't afford it. It's been bloody terrible," he said.
Because of this, the Walgett Show committee are putting on something for all ages and for the whole north-west region.
Some of the attractions at this year's Show include rock climbing, jousting, bike competition, ute show, sheep, cattle and wool judging, plus a yard dog trial.
There will also be fireworks, an Aboriginal art workshop presented by Frank Wright and a horsemanship display by Kate Clancy.
After the tragic death of a child from a snake bite in Walgett, the Show committee wanted to help the family in some way and educate the wider community on snakes.
Mr White said with the blessing of the family, a reptile expert will be at the Walgett Show for not just a display exhibit, but "to show us how to save lives."
He said the Walgett Show wasn't just an agricultural show anymore, it was a "community show."
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"There's more in our community than just ag, and it's not fair to just select a certain few and expect them to enjoy themselves," Mr White explained.
"We're just trying to incorporate all corners of the Walgett Shire, (for the Show to be) something for everyone."
The Walgett Show Society president also said the drought has had a negative financial impact to farmers incomes.
"There hasn't been too many incomes, (just) one year in the last seven," Mr White explained.
"It's showing the resilience of the north-west community and the Walgett community, that's for sure."
Thanks to the Walgett Shire, gate entry for everyone is free on Sunday, and Mr White hopes that brings attendance numbers up from the average 2000 to 3000.
If you would like to find out more information about the upcoming Walgett Show please visit walgettshowsociety.com.au
Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
