Our Story

A proud tradition since 1854 — built by community, powered by volunteers, and growing with Gawler.

A community tradition

The Gawler A, H & F Society Inc (the Society) was first established in 1854, as the central point of a large agricultural district where the townspeople sought the opportunity to meet, celebrate and trade.

Gawler Show Patrons

A patron takes an active role by promoting the organisation, celebrating staff, supporters and volunteers, attending and hosting events. We would like to welcome our 2025 Gawler Show Patrons:

Ethan White

Alyson Emery

Nathan Shanks

John and Yvonne Chamberlain

Chris Cowley

Mayor Karen Redman

Daniel Down

Matt Burnell MP

Tony Piccolo

Life Members

Our Life Members are instated by a committee of their peers to recognise the many years of service they have given to the Show Society and are the life blood of the Gawler Show.

1900 R. Patterson
1900 H. Bischof
1900 S. Springbett
1900 J. Umpherston
1902 S. Sim
1904 E. L. Ifould
1916 T. A. Waters
1923 J. G. Folland
1956 W.R Wheeler
1956 C. C. Mazzarol
1963 R. C. Dawkins
1963 M. H. Richter
1963 T. Kemp
1968 G. C. Tozer
1968 M. C. Hillier
1977 W.H. Congdon
1981 S. L. Dawkins
1981 W.J. Martin
1981 D. W. Barkley
1981 C. A. Cockshell
1981 G. Richter
1985 C. E. Lienert
1985 E. J. Chinner
1991 M. Cockshell
1991 F. Harradine
1991 W. J. Palamountain
1991 L. E. Pfitzner
1991 E. W. Zerk
1992 T. L Secomb
1994 D.S Noll
1998 I. L. Dawe
1998 M. Hitch
2000 B. J. Reay
2000 J. E. Downer
2001 R. E. Ahrens
2001 B. W. Attwood
2008 G. D. Parham
2016 D. Birmingham
2019 P Dent OAM
2019 H. Weatherald
2019 B. Close
2019 R. Burdon
2019 L. Edwards
2019 D. Afford
2021 P. Angus
2021 B. Sambell
2021 T. Fotheringham
2022 P. Hayman
2023 N. Tesselaar
2023 M. Tesselaar

1854

A place to meet, celebrate and trade

The Gawler A, H & F Society Inc (the Society) was first established in 1854, as the central point of a large agricultural district where the townspeople sought the opportunity to meet, celebrate and trade. The first Show highlighted the crop, sheep and other pastoral strengths associated with the region. The inaugural committee were highly regarded people in Gawler; several were local councilors and could see the merit of bringing a large festival to this region. Since this time the Society has grown in size and popularity..

Photo: Local farmers inspecting machinery

Early years

Agriculture at the heart of the Show

From its inception, the Show’s key aim was to host a community event for South Australia’s first mainland country town—a goal that remains paramount today. While competitions in agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture formed the foundation, these early years established the Show’s reputation as a celebration of regional life and farming excellence.

Community

Volunteers & Not-for-Profit Spirit

As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit Society, the Gawler Show thrives on the dedication of hundreds of local people who donate their time, skills, and passion. Many local organisations and clubs also assist in the lead-up to and during the event, benefiting from financial contributions, marketing opportunities, and the shared spirit of community involvement.

Today

Growing, Adapting & Entertaining

While the Show remains rooted in its agricultural heritage, it has grown and adapted to meet the interests of the wider community. Educational elements help preserve the history and integrity of agricultural shows, while modern attractions—rides, showbags, competitions, food and wine, markets, and live entertainment—draw more than 25,000 visitors each year. Today, the Gawler Show is the township’s flagship tourism event, showcasing the best of South Australia and the charm of country life - and continues to go from strength to strength guided by a dedicated volunteer army

Founded

1854

Attendance

25,000+

Volunteers

Our vision

Our vision is for the Gawler Show to be the Region’s premier Agricultural Show — by bringing communities together; by focusing on the continued growth and success of the Gawler Show; and by continually developing the Gawler Show as a world-class Agriculture and entertainment show every year.

Be part of it

Volunteer, become a member, sponsor the Show, or exhibit your business. Every contribution helps keep the tradition alive.