For the Downes family, the Kiama Show is more than an annual event, it is a legacy of community involvement, hard work, and cherished memories passed down through generations.

Father John Downes and son Matt Downes share a deep commitment to keeping the show’s woodchopping tradition alive, a passion that began decades ago and continues to thrive today.

Now, with three generations of Downes working as stewards in the woodchopping events, the family’s connection to the show is stronger than ever.

Matt, John and Craig Downes

John Downes, now 80, first became involved in the Kiama Show more than 50 years ago.

“There was only one young bloke in the woodchopping back then,” he recalls. “So I put my hand up to help. Most of the others were in their seventies, so it just made sense to step in and support.”

His role quickly expanded, from assisting with organising events to being the friendly face talking to spectators during competitions.

“It’s about keeping people engaged, answering their questions, and sharing the excitement of the sport,” John says. “Of course, there’s plenty of argy-bargy at the monthly meetings, but by the time show day comes around, everyone knows why they’re there, and it just works.”

Matt Downes, following in his father’s footsteps, started helping at the show as a teenager. Now 45, he has spent 30 years volunteering as a steward for the woodchopping events. “It started as just helping Dad, but over time, it became part of our family tradition,”

Matt shares. “Showtime comes around, and you just know you’re going to pitch in.”

The Downes family’s dedication has been pivotal in securing and maintaining the prestigious Pat Gallagher Memorial Australian 325mm Underhand Championship at the Kiama Show.

The event, which boasts a prize pool of over $6,000 and is sponsored by Pat Gallagher son Terry, is one of the highlights of the woodchopping calendar.

“Once you’ve got a national title like this, you do everything you can to hold onto it,” Matt says. “It’s about funding and organisation, and we’re proud to have hosted it for the past three years.”

The connection between the Downes family and the show goes beyond woodchopping. Growing up on a farm in Jamberoo, they were also involved in showing cattle.

“Cattle on Friday, woodchopping on Saturday, that’s how we balanced it,” Matt laughs. “It was a family effort, and we always found a way to make it work.”

John’s contributions to the community extend beyond the Kiama Show. A Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer for over 50 years, he is regarded as a local legend. “You can’t get rid of him,” Matt jokes. “Once he commits, he doesn’t stop.”

For John, the rewards of volunteering are clear. “It’s seeing how things come together, how people rally around to make something happen,” he says.

And while the work can be demanding, it is moments like sunny show days after weeks of rain that remind him why he keeps showing up.

John Downes inspiring generations of woodchopping stewards. L to R Matt (son) Isla Downes (granddaughter) Jahmalia Downes (granddaughter) John (patriarch) Craig (son) Courtney Marsh (granddaughter) Ben King (nephew)

The Downes family’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and a deep love for their community.

As the next Kiama Show approaches, the woodchopping arena will once again be bustling with excitement, thanks in no small part to the efforts of this remarkable father-and-son duo, who, no doubt, will weather plenty of argy-bargy to get it all done.