As the Sydney Royal Easter Show draws to a close, we look at how fast the year is progressing, what has transpired so far and what is coming over the winter months.

The Giant Wheel from Australian Tourist Attractions has arrived and been operating at the Royal Easter Show, this huge Ferris wheel with its 15 semi trailer goliath will be seen at various venues around the country.

Bad weather marred the Easter weekend and has knocked around the crowds for the show, but good weather since has seen each day steadily improve. The RAS feels that they will get close to the magic million attendances.

The carnival operators are reporting mixed results with some rides performing well and others not, some games are struggling as well. The show bags are hoping for a big finish with the last day promotion.

The Country Show runs are all about to fire up again with the giant travelling city of rides and games heading off in three directions to work their way out west and up north.

The sheer logistics of this size of operation still fascinates me after all these years that so much machinery and man power is mobilized every week with so little fuss.

We have a couple of serious issues facing us in the near future with the work cover bodies, the electrical engineer issue with ride registration is a major concern and must be addressed. The electrical situation in Queensland regarding generator connections is also important. AALARA will be looking at these situations very shortly with a view to investigating a training program.

We hope to discuss these issues and much more with the regulators in the transportable forum at the AALARA conference and would look forward to your input and comments to these issues that affect us.

And still it looks like several more new rides are coming, the investment and faith in the ride business is fantastic.

Hoping the drought breaks soon and gives the rural areas a shot on enthusiasm.

Phil Durkin

Chair, Transportable Rides and Showmen