The Cooma Showgrounds bustled on Saturday March 8, as the community gathered to mark the 150th anniversary of the Cooma Show. This significant milestone reflects Cooma’s deep agricultural roots and a vibrant multicultural history that continues to thrive.
Upon opening the show, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, highlighted the unique essence of the district. “Even with my inexperienced eyes, I can see looking over the livestock and produce displays, that agriculture in Cooma, and on the Monaro, is floating,” she observed.
PHOTO: Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, officially declared the 150th Cooma Show open.
Her Excellency praised the district’s multicultural diversity, saying, “The magnificent flags in the town centre are a joyful representation of all the people who came from all over the world… Today that story is vivid as ever.”
The day was marked by warm sunshine that drew large crowds to explore an array of attractions, from cattle, sheep, and poultry displays to captivating wood chopping events, as well as an array of food stalls, rides, and agricultural events. The show was, as always, a festival of community spirit, made possible by diligent contributions from sponsors and community members.
PHOTO: Stunning flower displays dazzled show goers with delicate entries.
President of the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association, Robert Hain, extended heartfelt thanks to the show’s sponsors, especially the major sponsor, Bendigo Community Bank Cooma, stating, “Without the support the sponsors have shown this year, we wouldn’t be able to put on this event.”
Notably, the event celebrated individuals who have significantly contributed to the show’s legacy. Sue West was honoured with the Royal Agricultural Society Medal for her 50-year commitment to the show and her work in equestrian eventing. Meanwhile, Sue-Ellen Mackay received the Agricultural Society Council Next Generation Award for her dedication to the show movement.
Young faces also shone brightly, with Emily Lucas and Sarah Fraser honoured as the Young Woman and Rural Achiever, respectively. “I’m honoured to be your Cooma Show 2025 Young Woman,” Lucas said, expressing excitement about the opportunities the role offers. Fraser, echoing community pride, stated, “There’s a special pride in saying you’re from Cooma.”
PHOTO: International Women’s Day coincided with Cooma’s 150th Show – The regions’ young leaders pictured with Her Excellency, Sam Mostyn.
Special thanks was given to Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Associations’ Secretary Danielle Mackay who puts countless hours of work into every single show.
Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council Chris Hanna reflected the sentiment saying “The Cooma show has been a part of my life for 35 years, I was born and raised in Cooma, and I take my hat off to the entire committee, particularly Danielle Mackay who does such an amazing job, a job that she works on all year in preparation for the next show.”
It was a particularly special trip for mother and daughter Jay and Rosie Basilisco from Canberra, with Rosie and horse “Dolly” coming away with a first place ribbon in the 55cm show jumping. Rosie’s mother Jay Basilisco mentioned this was “the first time we have done anything like this”, having never been to the Cooma Show, or entered in anything like it before.
PHOTO: Jay Basilisco proudly presenting “Dolly”.
As evening fell, the skies lit up with a vibrant fireworks display by Mr Boom Boom Fireworks, capping off a day that truly embodied Cooma’s rich heritage and communal joy, leaving a lasting imprint on the community.