As Xmas rapidly approaches and the year winds down, it has been interesting and at times trying.

The rural show runs have finished and most operators are finishing their hire work and heading into the summer carnivals and a little bit of a rest.

The incidents and subsequent fallout from Adelaide still seem to be foremost in every body’s minds, with numerous operators calling me for an update and overview of the future in South Australia.

I can say unequivocally that unless there is a tone down of Safeworks approach and we are able to work together to achieve and maintain a safe industry there will be a significant reduction in operators prepared to attend events in SA.

In NSW several operators are struggling to comply with the regulations for new ride registrations, while Chris Turner from Work cover NSW has been most helpful we are still faced with the situation of finding an electrical engineer who is prepared to sign our registration papers, as our submission to Work cover last year stated these requirements are getting harder for us to comply. If this trend continues there will be numerous operators unable to renew their registrations or gain new registrations in NSW.

On to good news, there are rumors that another four or five new rides are on there way here. This confidence and optimism is great as we continue to present and operate world class attractions.

Wishing everyone a merry Xmas and a great new year, let’s hope the drought finishes soon and the rural areas can get a kick along.

Phil Durkin

Chair, Transportable Rides and Showmen Committee