28 August 2018

As thousands of visitors passed through the gates of the 2018 Commonwealth Bank AgQuip last week, Gunnedah celebrates another successful year of its premier event.

The local community has seen AgQuip grow from humble beginnings on Gunnedah’s Riverside Racecourse in 1973 to the major showcase of agricultural equipment, lifestyle and innovation that it is today. This year has been one of the toughest years recorded for the agricultural industry; however Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said it did not stop people from coming together for the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Commonwealth Bank AgQuip is always a tremendous event and we are very proud that its home is in Gunnedah,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Every year this great event brings people from interstate and across the region to Gunnedah to see the very best in agricultural innovations and services. It is also a chance for our producers to get together and socialise; either over a steak sandwich or walking the aisles to check out all that is on offer.

“The size and diversity of AgQuip always astounds visitors and this year was no different; visitors are always impressed with the scale of the event. Those who attended for the first time gave very pleasing feedback with some already attempting to book accommodation for next year”.

The three-day event attracts a consistent 100,000 visitors each year and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was welcoming to see the event well supported again this year.

“As AgQuip is all packed up for another year, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the AgQuip team of Fairfax Rural Events, capably led by Kate Nugent, on another successful event and thank them for their continued faith in the agricultural sector, AgQuip itself, and the Gunnedah community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“AgQuip has once again remained industry relevant, evolving and demonstrating new technology and information for the agricultural sector each year.”

Cr Chaffey said the atmosphere was one of comradery from fellow Aussies and although sales were down from previous years, exhibitors welcomed the national and international brand exposure and the future sales from those looking.

“It was wonderful to see visitors and exhibitors acknowledging the tough times through having and supporting not-for-profit drought assistance organisations, as well as general and mental health professionals on site,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making AgQuip another success. It didn’t rain but it poured with community spirit, and that is why I love living and working in Gunnedah.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Commonwealth Bank Event Organiser Kate Nugent and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson at the official opening of AgQuip 2018.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.