When Sue Cox’s husband Brian received the offer of a medical partnership in Kiama in 1980, they decided to trial it for six months. The idea was to test the waters and see if they liked the slower pace of coastal life. More than 40 years later, Sue has become an indispensable part of the Kiama Show, not just as the leader of its central Pavilion but as the heart of a tradition that keeps evolving with the community.

“It’s not about me,” Sue insists. “It’s the team. Without them, none of this happens.” But even as she deflects attention, her energy and passion are evident. Sue has been a steward in the Pavilion since the 1980s and took over as Chief Pavilion steward during COVID-19, when many older stewards understandably stepped back. “I thought it was important to keep the show on the calendar. I think the show is a great event for our community, young and old,” Sue said.

Sue’s own journey began with a knock on the door, metaphorically, anyway. A great networker recruited her, along with a group of friends, to become stewards at the Show. They were all young mothers, juggling the demands of toddlers and babies and they took turns minding each other’s children so they could volunteer. These young mums are now grandmothers (and still stewards!) and some have their daughters actively involved as stewards too.

“Some families have been involved for seven generations - an amazing legacy. Looking to the future we are working to preserve that tradition, but we are very keen for newcomers and people in the community who may not have been involved before to come on board. We especially welcome younger people to become involved as it’s a great community event.

The Pavilion is a star attraction at the Kiama Show, and with good reason. Compared to many regional shows, Kiama boasts a modern, air conditioned space where creativity and community come to life. But the Pavilion’s success is not just about its shiny exterior, it’s about how it adapts to the times.

L to R Top Row James Carr, Therese Doran and Colleen Martin, Henry Bains and his prize winning Scarecrow. Bottom Row Jill Milburn and a very excited ( and adorable ) prize winner in the Kewpie Doll section

“We’re not afraid to try new things,” Sue says and we try to reflect the current interests in the community. We listen to feedback and have updated the Ceramic section, Art section and Pot plant sections

The Pavilion’s new classes this year are a perfect example of how the Kiama Show Society embraces community interests. The junior section now provides scarecrow bases donated by the Men’s Shed for children from local schools to decorate as well as a lolly jewellery set category for under-fives. Junior ceramics have introduced a “wheel-thrown article” category, while the junior pot plant section features creative additions like “best-decorated grass head” and “tallest sunflower.” In Adult photography there is now a drone class and an Under 10 section for the very junior photographers

Other highlights include the expanded honey section, which now boasts eight classes, reflecting the community’s growing interest in apiculture. The crochet section has introduced a granny square blanket category and several rug categories, baby, bed, and knee or travel rug, to acknowledge the contributions of Bonnie Maywald and her “Wrap with Love” .

In crafts, new categories include macramé, diamond dots, and leatherwork, while the painting section now features modern abstract and fluid art.

One of the most exciting additions is the innovative Kia-Bald Prize, Kiama’s take on the iconic Archibald Prize. Open to artists 16 and over, this portrait competition invites entries featuring notable identities from the Kiama locality, from community leaders to sports stars. 

“Personally, I’m really looking forward to the entries in this competition,” Sue says. “Seeing what the judge says and the announcement of the People’s Choice winner is going to be a highlight.”

Walking through the Pavilion, you see more than exhibits. You see stories. There’s the elderly woman who spent hours admiring every display, quietly marvelling at the work of her community. There’s the boy who enters the scarecrow competition every year, with his grandfather’s expert help. “Not everyone has a grandfather who can build a scarecrow,” Sue laughs, “but he’d love some competition!”

And then there are the moments that surprise even seasoned stewards. Some years, the youth entries in baking or crafts are so good, they outshine the adults. “We had to create a special certificate for one young baker because their sponge cake was better than anything the adults had submitted,” Sue recalls with a smile.

Running the Pavilion is no small task. Sue and her team of more than 50 stewards and 30 judges start preparing weeks in advance, ensuring everything’s ready for the big day. 

Technology has become a key part of the process, streamlining entries and judging. “It’s a reflection of the leadership committee, our president, secretary, and especially our junior vice president, who are always looking for ways to keep things running smoothly,” Sue says.

But for all the logistics, it’s the people who matter most. Sue’s hope for the future is simple: to keep the Pavilion growing, to welcome even more participants, and to make sure every generation finds a place in its walls. “The Pavilion is for everyone,” she says. “Whether you’re entering roses, quilts, cakes, art or produce - there’s a space for you here.”

As the Kiama Show approaches, Sue is ready for another year of chaos, creativity, and community. And for all her modesty, there’s no doubt the Pavilion will continue to flourish under her watchful eye. “At the end of the day, it’s about bringing people together,” she says. “That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Visit the website to find out how to submit your entries for the Kiama Show Friday on 24th & Saturday 25th January 2025