FOLLOWING IN the footsteps of his late father John Kenny “Ken” McDonald OAM, passionate Tweed Shire local Peter McDonald has been named the President of the Tweed River Agricultural Society (TRAS) this month.
Mr McDonald follows a long line of tradition for the McDonald family, who have played an integral role in livestock and agriculture across the Tweed Shire for more than 100 years.
Mr McDonald said he was excited to head up the Society which is both dear to his heart and holds a lot of family significance.
“Our family brand, like many other local families, is up there on the branding rail,” he said.
“It’s an honour to be elected the new President of the Tweed River Agricultural Society and I am looking forward to a bright future ahead.”
Mr McDonald, who owns and operates MacFinancial Group, comes from a long line of farmers and is a third generation on the land.
“Through all generations, many have been involved in a variety of aspects of the annual Murwillumbah Show,” he said.
“My late father was a long-standing president of TRAS and was once a dairy farmer, Jersey breeder and showed in the breed and fat cattle rings and sugar cane.
“My uncle, Pat, continues to breed and show Jersey cattle at the very highest levels, and my brother Michael competes with his sugar cane.”
Mr McDonald has been a board member of TRAS in the past.
“I have been Ringmaster at Murwillumbah Show for many years, a volunteer position I was no doubt invited into because of my lifetime interest in all things equestrian,” he said.
He said he was looking forward to working with the new TRAS Board to honour 120 years of tradition that is rolled into the annual Murwillumbah Show.
Although the coronavirus has put many events on hold, the Murwillumbah Show remains tentatively scheduled for the first weekend in November.
“I am aiming to be proactive in considering new ideas and complementary activities that can keep the local Show relevant in years to come,” he said.
He said TRAS is blessed to have the use of one of the most picturesque Showgrounds in Australia as the venue for its annual Murwillumbah Show “with Mount Warning as an imposing backdrop and a well maintained and manicured ground”.
“TRAS is grateful to Murwillumbah Showground Land Managers for the ongoing upkeep and presentation of the showground facilities,” he said.
“These grounds and facilities are the envy of most Show Societies along the east coast of Australia.
“TRAS is passionate about Murwillumbah and surrounds, connecting with the local community and seeing the Tweed region thrive.”
Mr McDonald said the local Show is very much the hub of where town meets country.
“Our Show exhibits the absolute best of local produce, livestock and businesses that this magnificent and fertile valley has to offer,” he said.
“The new TRAS Board wish to build on what has already been established over the years and reach out to all sectors of the community, encouraging them to become involved with their local Show.
“TRAS will be seeking ways to embrace new ideas and to evolve and remain relevant to our community, while maintaining the agricultural heart that is conveyed via all regional Shows.
“I would like to take the opportunity to recognise the hard work, commitment and dedication of all those past committees that have kept the Tweed River Agricultural Society actively engaged with our community for the past 120 years.
“It is truly remarkable, and something that we as a community can all be extremely proud of.
“I am also excited that we currently have a committed and cohesive Board – some old members, some new members – who all share a passion to keep Murwillumbah Show one of the best in the region.
Mr McDonald said the Board remains hopeful and is actively planning for the Murwillumbah Show to occur in November this year.
“But of course, we will be respectful of all government decisions and regulations and take guidance from the Australian Show Council in this regard,” he said.
“The Murwillumbah Show has a history of 120 years of community participation and commitment.
“Generations of local families have given their time and expertise to assisting TRAS to put on an annual Show.
“There are hundreds of unsung heroes that have carried the Show from 1890 through to 2020.”
