Sit and have a cuppa with Dawn Mayne, former secretary of the Queanbeyan Show Society, and you’ll be surprised at the information and detail she can offer regarding the workings of the Queanbeyan Show.
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Born in her family home at Railway Avenue, Dawn was raised by her grandmother whilst her mother sought work in Sydney.
Dawn has lived in Queanbeyan all her life, and that’s probably what drives her passion for seeing the city continue to thrive, yet not surrender its heritage.
Dawn was first motivated by her daughter Carol to enter some exhibits into the Queanbeyan Show back in 1983, and then joined as a member in 1992.
Her preferred handicraft is knitting, and in 2003 she claimed the most successful exhibitor ribbon. This was something she’d wanted to achieve as the award was presented by Jean Hallam, a person greatly admired by Dawn. She has also won the champion ribbon for her baby knitting.
In her first year of being a member of the show society, Dawn became the publicity officer, and then secretary at the 100th AGM in 1995, retaining this position until her retirement from the role in 2012.
Each year, Dawn would be in attendance at the show office for the two weeks prior to each event, signing in the hundreds of entries from exhibitors. Her smiling face greeted all participants, from young children with their very first entry in the art section, to other well-seasoned exhibitors with a list of up to two pages of entries.
Dawn won the Citizen of the Year in 2013. However it was the nomination for NSW Women of the Year that really came as the icing on the cake. A trip to the big smoke in Sydney found her standing in the foyer of Parliament House, where she was presented with her certificate. Both awards now hang proudly in her home, but she is humble in acknowledging them. Not bad for a sweetheart who has come from such small beginnings.
Dawn is still a member of the show society. Her knowledge of the procedures, history and contacts past and present is still a vital resource for the committee and so she remains an active participant. Of course, she will still be found assisting with the entries for the Queanbeyan Show to be held this year from November 12 to 13.
Why not meet her yourself when you submit your exhibit? The schedule can be found online at www.queanbeyanshow.com.au