TRANSCRIPT: SOUNDS OF THE MOUNTAINS LIVE AT ADELONG SHOW, 8 MARCH 2025

E&OE

STARTS: 12:30pm

ENDS: 12:48pm

DAVID EISENHAUER:

We're up at the Adelong Show; we have been since this morning. Catching up with Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack. We still haven't had a chat to Michael. And he's arrived on the show just in time for the billy-boiling competition and all those things we've been talking about with the boys this morning. Michael, thank you very much for your time this afternoon.

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Yeah, great to be here at the 108th annual Adelong Show, Dave. And Catherine and I are very much enjoying what we've seen so far. And yes, the billy-boiling competition. Which other country show has a billy-boiling competition? I'm not quite sure. But we've also got the sheep shearing. We've just been over to see the dog trials. It's all happening in Adelong. And if you've got nothing better to do, get here before 3. Particularly if you've got kids, because there are free show rides for the kids. How good is that?

DAVID EISENHAUER:

Isn't that a good thing?

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Oh, that's a fantastic thing. And I tell you what, I'm just looking at it now and there's so many kids taking part in that. Absolutely fantastic. The judges have decided to keep the equestrian going and they're not breaking for lunch because there's so many competitors. They've got to get through all the events. And apparently this is one of the last sorts of point scoring events before Royal Easter in Sydney. And so, they've come from near and far too. And their horses are looking superb. And where are you from? I've got this young lady here on the back of her horse. Where are you from?

RUBY McCOY:

I'm from Tumbarumba. 

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Tumbarumba! What's your name?

RUBY McCOY:

Ruby McCoy.

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Ruby McCoy. And Ruby's here with her fine-looking steed. And she's already got a show ribbon around her arm, Dave. And so Ruby and so many others are here. It's just fantastic. We're on Tumut Radio. So, you're live right across the district, Ruby. And what have you won?

RUBY McCOY:

I got champion rider.

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Champion rider! So, you know, Ruby's just one of many, many wonderful young people who are taking part in this. And I've got to say, Dave, quintessential country show. You know, it'll be Batlow in a few weeks' time. Of course, we've had so many other shows in the district lately. It's just fantastic. And it brings families together. It brings people together. And this is what rural regional living is all about. 

DAVID EISENHAUER:

Well, it's known locally, as you know, Michael, for the years and years it's been called, Little Royal. And it is. It puts on this real diverse mix of entertainment. Now, we spoke with President Michael Campbell. And every show's got a lot of similarities, pavilions and horse events and all that sort of thing. But every show also does it differently. And Adelong, it's one of the smaller show grounds, but isn't it a beautiful ground?

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Oh, the volunteering committee, a debt of gratitude to them. I mean, Michael Campbell and Will Reynolds, as you mentioned, the vice-president, the president. You know, they're doing so much. I mean, Dr Michael Campbell and his hardworking volunteer committee. I mean, they put so much effort in. It's months and months of work. But you've got the showground. It's ringed by this pretty white picket fence. It's such a picture. And like I say, with the free rides for the kids, I mean, you can't go wrong. I mean, until three o'clock, you can't go wrong. So, it's a great family day out. People should put it on their bucket list if they can't make it this year because it's beautiful weather, too. They tell me last year, Will was saying it was about 40 degrees and no breeze. This year, it's about 33. This soft little breeze filtering through. And it is the place to be, I tell you.

DAVID EISENHAUER:

My word it is, especially when you've got, as you mentioned, Michael, the free rides for kids, a wonderful pavilion in trees. And, of course, the two schools running the luncheon pavilion there, they've combined to make the workload and to share a few of the dollars. And that's what it's all about. These dollars stay local and they, these are our communities, fund themselves and get involved in stuff.

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

You know, I know we've got a cost-of-living crisis, but, you know, pretty much we've got free face painting. I mean, just about 10 yards from where I am. There's free face painting. So, for your kids, it's a great day out. And they do this every year. Every year at this time, you know, and there's no excuse not to jump in the car, come to Adelong and enjoy a great day out. I'm looking forward to catching up with James Hayes. I know he's out and about. I know Julia Ham, the Mayor of Snowy Valleys, is going to be here a little later on. So, it's bringing out all the region's finest. But I tell you what, the showground looks a picture. The grassed area. It's beautiful and green. It's been pretty dry up here, as you know. But I tell you what, they've made the surrounds look an absolute picture.

DAVID EISENHAUER:

Well, we're very fortunate to all our grounds. Of course, we're up here, mentioned off to Batlow in a couple of weeks. Tumbarumba this coming week. We've got Blues, Brews and BBQs, a big music festival. It is certainly, this district certainly punches well above its weight when it comes to community events, Michael. And they're making it, as you mentioned, there's the cost of living. And it just becomes a bit more affordable. Adelong with its free show rides, you can't get better than that.

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Look, you can't get better than that. And I tell you what, there's plenty to eat and see and do, too. And unique events like the Billy Boiling exercise. As I say, that is unique. I'm looking forward to watching that. But there's so many animals. There’re so many things to do. And, you know, come and, come and pat a horse and come and, you know, get involved. Because the people are pretty friendly, too. And they're coming from near and far. Like Ruby, I know she's come from Tumbarumba. But she'll be taking part now in Royal Easter, along with a lot of the other ribboned riders. And, you know, they've made the effort. And you can tell the way they've turned out their horses. They are looking magnificent. And a lot of time and effort goes into these events. And a lot of time and effort goes on behalf of the volunteers into making these shows possible. And it's what regional living, as I say, is all about. Why would you want to live anywhere else, Dave?

DAVID EISENHAUER:

Isn't that the truth? Michael, you've got a bucking bull. You've got the pirate ship. And you've got a few other things to enjoy before the dignitaries, arrive. But, mate, thank you very much for joining us this afternoon. As Member for Riverina, really appreciate your time on the station once again.

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

It's a pleasure. We'll talk soon.

DAVID EISENHAUER:

Indeed. Thanks, Michael.

MICHAEL McCORMACK:

Thanks, David. 

DAVID EISENHAUER:

There you go. Michael McCormack joining us now live from the Adelong Show.

Emma Sullivan