THE Moree Show will start later than usual this year as a mark of respect to Anzac Day commemorations.
On April 25, gates will open to the public at midday, and it will be business as usual the following day, April 26, when the Moree Show cranks into action from around 8am.
Moree Show Society president, Brendan Munn, said the society, now in its 151st year, was a not-for-profit organisation exempt from new legislation introduced by the NSW Government last year.
“We are considered a charitable organisation, as our main focus is education and promotion of agriculture,” Mr Munn said.
“We are also highly respectful of Anzac Day and its deep heritage, and will not hold any events while important commemorations are taking place.
“Our gates will open at midday. The new legislation refers to businesses that are wholly or predominantly large retail outlets or supermarkets, and the Moree Show and its participants do not fit this category.
“We originally looked at starting the junior horse events in the morning, and halting at important times like other shows are planning to do, but we found it unfeasible with kids attending Anzac Day ceremonies and functions in other centres,” Mr Munn said.
“We’ve decided to start the kids’ events at 11am, at which time the only spectators will be parents and fellow competitors. The main horse events will start at 1pm.”
The new legislation mandates stricter trading restrictions on Anzac Day.
Non-exempt retail shops are now prohibited from opening after 1pm.
Businesses classified as “small shops”, those outside of retail, or those with special exemptions can still operate as usual.
The NSW Government extended retail trading restrictions to cover all of Anzac Day to ensure the service of veterans is recognised and people are able to take part in services throughout the day.
Prior to the new legislation, retail traders such as supermarkets and fashion retailers were required to stay closed until 1pm under the Retail Trading Act. The change will see them remain closed until midnight.
The restrictions do not apply to small businesses and business not considered retailers or with exemptions such as markets, cafes, chemists, newsagencies and takeaway restaurants.
However, many of these types of businesses voluntarily remain closed until at least midday as a mark of respect to Anzac Day commemorations.
Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, said no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day for Australians.
“New South Wales will extend retail trading restrictions across Anzac Day, to make sure our veterans are recognised and free to take part in services throughout the day,” Mr Minns said.
“It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy.”
RSL NSW president, Mick Bainbridge, welcomed the support of Premier Minns and the State Government.
“Too often, the pastoral needs of veterans, and the friends and families who support them, are overlooked,” Mr Bainbridge said.
“This is an opportunity for them to take time away from work on this special day to commemorate their service.”
In New South Wales, sporting events where an admission fee is charged or a donation is sought cannot be held before 1pm on Anzac Day, but community sports events without such fees can proceed as normal.
2025 Moree Show
When: Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, with team penning events Sunday, April 26
Where: Moree Showground
Times: Friday (Anzac Day) from midday until late; Saturday from around 7am (ring events) until late.
Tickets: At the gate only. Cash and Eftpos. 4 years and under Free; 5-11 years $5 per day; 12 years plus $15 per day; and aged pensioners $10 per day. Rodeo included in gate entry. All entertainment included in gate entry.
Website: www.moreeshowsociety.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoreeShowSocietyInc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moreeshowsociety/?hl=en
