The Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies' membership consists of 128 (at Jan 09) affiliated Show Societies. These Societies range in size, according to the town of origin. They are situated from the Gold Coast in the South to Mossman in the North and west to Mount Isa.

Each Society is responsible for the organisation and staging of their annual Show. Due to various economic and climatic aspects, very few Shows are identical. Their successes are due to strong local community support and the innovative approaches of their local committees.  Most Societies feature Sections for Cattle and Horses and many include Sections for Goats, Angoras, Sheep, Poultry, Pigeons, Caged Birds and Pigs where appropriate and in accordance with local trends.

Pavilion exhibits are enormous and include Cut Flowers, Floral Art, Potted Plants, Craft, Cookery, Needlework, Photography and Fine Arts to name but a few.  Show Day is any important day in the life of the local community, where most residents will attend and possibly exhibit.  Many Royal National Show exhibitors "cut their teeth" at their local Show before venturing to the Royal Show.

In all, the local Show adds much to the community. Each year local committees evaluate their performances and always seek ways to ensure their share of the market. Competition to Shows is increasing, however, the Agricultural Shows of Queensland are holding their own.

To allow for statewide representation Queensland is divided into eleven Sub-Chambers. Local Shows attend the Sub-Chamber meetings and elect their representative (Director) to the Board of the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies. The Chamber Board meets a minimum of four times a year, usually in Brisbane at the RNA Showgrounds.

This information is included in Section One of the QCAS Handbook

For more information see.....

• Directors
• History
• Competitions
  
  

Affiliation Criteria

Affiliation with the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies ensures the sustainability of Queensland Agricultural Shows.  Affiliated Show Societies have met (as a minimum) the following guidelines.

The Organisation seeking affiliation:

1. Promotes the development of Pastoral, Agricultural, Horticultural, Mining, Education and Industrial resources of the surrounding District and possibly the State.
2. Holds Exhibitions for the purpose of having competitive displays of any livestock, primary industry products or other associated products pertaining to the area. Livestock competitions considered typical for Agricultural Shows include horses, cattle, sheep, goats, alpaca, llamas, poultry and dogs.
3. Holds exhibitions on community owned property or on property leased from the Local Government Authority or similar Authority as set aside for the purpose of holding Agricultural Shows.
4. Is a community based group with provision for the profit not to be distributed amongst private individuals or groups.
5. Provides a copy of the current year's Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet to QCAS for the purpose of ensuring compliance with State and Federal Government legislation and Insurance Requirements.
6. Maintains a Risk Management Programme appropriate to Agricultural Show Societies.
7. Provides evidence of, adequate Public Liability Insurance Cover as required by Legislation to ensure responsible management practice.

This information is included in Section Four of the QCAS Handbook