The future of the Port Fairy Show has been secured with committee members taking over the reins from long-serving executive members.
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Former president Anita Watts and her husband Michael Watts, who held the position of secretary, have been on the committee for more than a decade and have volunteered at the show for 27 years.
They will continue on as secretary and assistant treasurer with their daughter Rhea Watts who was elected as the new president at the show’s annual general meeting this week.
Ms Watts will be joined by Maureen Hedgers (vice president), her sister Simone Watts (treasurer) and Jenny McLean (assistant secretary).
Mr and Mrs Watts put a call out in February last year for new blood and said they were pleased to welcome Neil Dyson to the committee this year. Others residents have also expressed interest in joining the committee.
The Port Fairy couple told The Standard over the years they had reinvigorated the show with new sections, an all-day ride wristband for children and quality live entertainment.
The pair said it was in a strong financial position and had a positive reputation.
The Watts are proud of what they have achieved, including keeping the event going, improving the showgrounds, gaining grants to improve the facilities and attracting new user groups to the premises.
Mrs Watts said Rhea would bring young and fresh ideas to the show.
”Rhea has long been a supporter of the show, being locally born and bred in Port Fairy and contributing to her community activities through her volunteer work within our community,” Mrs Watts said.
“The committee thank all who volunteer their time to make our show the best in the region.”
Ms Watts said she was excited about the role and was “looking forward to building on the traditions that have been established”.
She said the show would continue in a similar format. “It’s quite a successful show as it is,” Ms Watts said.
"There is always room for improvement and ways to make the show bigger and better. We’re always open to suggestions and ideas.”
Ms Watts said she and her siblings had spent many a time working at the showgrounds and volunteering was a family affair.
She has been involved as long as her parents have and volunteered as a youngster in scouts.
Her sister Erin Klose, grandfather Danny Watts and uncle Patrick Watts are also on the committee. “All our kids work at the showgrounds. When there’s a working bee it’s like a family reunion.”