The Adelaide Show was a good result overall, attendance was around 500,000, which was down slightly, however, visitors were spending well.

This was a relief to many ride operators still hurting from very poor takings at the Brisbane Show.

The management team from Adelaide provided support by showing a little latitude with paying our rents and this was hugely appreciated. We must be the most overseen industry in Australia with visits and observance from numerous Government departments adding to our stress level.

The new layout and buildings at the Adelaide Showground look great and it is one of our great events on the show calendar.

The tight four-day turnaround between the Adelaide and Melbourne shows place a huge amount of pressure on most operators and really must be reviewed. To move this amount of equipment under trying conditions is a huge task. Not to mention the added impost of inspections prior to erection in Melbourne which was compounded by extremely bad weather (including high winds).

The Melbourne Show is now underway and as we go to press more winds and rain is forecast. The majority of operators so far are reporting a good result, however, we look forward to seeing the end result after the last weekend.

Once the round of royal shows finish the rural shows throughout southern New South Wales and regional Victoria kick off.

Thanks must be extended to Majorie Chant and Yvonne Seymour who along with AALARA lobbied hard to exclude the travelling shows and transportable rides businesses from the proposed Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2010. The Travelling Shows Award 2010 will apply from 1 January 2010. We suggest you download a copy of the draft from the the AIRC website if you don’t already have one.

On a sadder note closer to home, the last of the "Dare Devil Durkins" Kath Durkin recently passed away peacefully in hospital at Mornington Victoria.

Kath, originally a Tivoli showgirl, was married to the late Herb Durkin and she rode pillion on the bike and also drove the midget car in both the Wall of Death and the Globe of Death at shows throughout Australia when tent shows were at the peak of their popularity in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

In the early days when motor bikes were not as easily available as today this act was very popular and drew large crowds to watch always with the chance of a fall or collision. The riders were aware of this and performed accordingly but did misjudge and have falls and some broke bones.

Kath passed away two weeks after her 90th birthday and leaves a daughter Lynne and granddaughter Liza.

Phil Durkin

Chair, Transportable Rides & Amusements