Katanning Agricultural Society new president Mark Patterson and volunteers save Katanning Agriculture Show

The Katanning Agricultural Society’s new president Mark Patterson says “bring it on, it’s showtime” after stepping up and saving the town’s 135-year-old show. Mr Patterson was unanimously voted in as president at the Katanning Agricultural Society’s special meeting on March 12, cementing the future of the Katanning Agricultural Show after a lack of volunteers threatened its end. The election followed a two-month search by former president Jill Kowald, who stood down after 20 years at the annual general meeting on February 12, and vice-president Rosalie Baxter, who were fearful the committee would fold. The semi-retired farmer said the show was the biggest highlight of the year for the Great Southern area. “My goal is to give the community and surrounding an absolute fun family day out that they can afford,” Mr Patterson said. “If we can keep people involved in passing that joy on to other people, that’s the buzz I like about it. “Bring it on, it’s showtime.” The new president is no stranger to the task after being a volunteer for nine years and serving as the junior vice-president until 1997 before leaving to focus on his family and farm. He said he was dedicated to encouraging young people to volunteer as he was a sheep steward at the show as a teenager and loved it. “When my uncle asked me to help out as steward I got a real kick out of it. I was a school kid and I love farming with sheep and one day I’m standing only about two metres from these stud breeders, some of the best sheep men in Australia,” he said. “It’s just an absolute buzz; if we can get more people involved, especially young people, that would be brilliant. “Young people are the future — if we don’t encourage them enough, we might lose them.” Elizabeth Nicholson also volunteered as second vice-president alongside Ms Baxter to help with the Katanning Agricultural Show. Ms Kowald said Mr Patterson was very “community-minded” and his time management, passion and experience made him the perfect fit. “It’s amazing; I’m very grateful for Mark for doing that,” the former president said. “It’s awesome with everything that’s happening and Mark taking it on, he knows I’m 100 per cent behind him to help out. “And Elizabeth who put her hand up is a plus, we’ve got new blood so that is great. “We’re going to all work together great.”