ABOUT US
The Towers Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Association (TPAMA) was established in 1881 and our show is held at the end of July each year. We have a wide range of exhibitors and competitions.
We are pleased to introduce the 2025 Executive Committee for the Charters Towers Show.
President
Kenneth Coleman
Vice President
Stella Gourley
Junior Vice President (1)
David Coleman
Junior Vice President (2)
David Hall
Secretary & Treasurer
Joanne Coleman
Our History
1880 and Charters Towers had grown from a brawling mining camp to a prosperous city of some 30.000 people.
A committee was formed to facilitate the staging of an Annual Agricultural Exhibition and so began the 140+ years of the Charters Towers Show.
The Inaugural Exhibition
1881, after much preparation the first Exhibition was held after heavy rain had held up the building of yards pens and sheds.
The President was Mr. Selheim. The Northern Miner newspaper at that time was edited by Thaddeus O’Kane and he gave the venture much publicity. However, after the event was upset and quite vocal about no free passes had been allocated to him.
Townsville’s show had been inaugurated in 1876 so the committee took advantage of their few year’s experience and sought their advice.
A schedule was drawn up and it will be a surprise to you to know that there were classes for handmade mining tools as well horse drawn vehicles. One of which grandly and condescendingly stated that ” Townsvillians may compete”!
The railway didn’t arrive in the Towers until December 1882, so all competitors and attending crowd arrived by horse drawn vehicle.
1881 Show Sections
Sections included dairy butter, tobacco, cotton, corn, potatoes, sewing, crochet, cattle, horses (both led and ridden), pigs and dogs.
Gold, silver and bronze medallions were awarded as well as prize money.
Takeover by Australian Army
In 1941, the grounds were taken over by the Australian Army with the stables being used for the horses that pulled the wagons collecting supplies for both them and the camps at Macrossan being stabled there. Startling to know that in that day and age mechanised transport was not universal.
There appeared to be constant friction between the committee [which duly met with an annual general meeting and elections each year] and the Army Captain in charge with one big bone of contention – the soldiers’ habit of pulling down the wooden fence and seats for firewood!
Some private citizens staged mini shows on their own properties during that time when the grounds were not available – Mr. “Pop” Whalen being one .
Post War
The first post war show was held in 1946. The old rodeo chutes were where the bar is now.
A big attraction in later years was the Gallagher brothers sitting back to back bucking out on a bull. Superb rough riders were plentiful and any rodeos held drew big crowds.
Cycling & Trotting
In 1950, a cycling track was created around the perimeter of the ring with trotting horses racing every Saturday as well as the track being used for cycling.
At that time, both racing gigs and ridden horses competed in the same events. As the years progressed the Show’s format developed to a rodeo and after that a campdraft, a show ball and three days of Equestrian competition.
A full sideshow alley and competition in all sections enticed the public to attend and much to many’s disappointment, pigs were dropped from the schedule.
In latter years both the rodeo and campdraft were able to use Council built facilities and the chutes were removed from the showgrounds.
Cycling now has its own track and the one around the perimeter of the ring was removed.
Over The Years
Committees over the years made big improvements to the grounds.
Additions included new stallion stables, a large dining hall, new toilet blocks, a large poultry pavilion, lighting and much more!
MOVING FORWARD
In latter years, the grounds passed from the T.P.A. & M. Ass Inc. Committee to the Charters Towers Regional Council.
The show thrives thanks to a dedicated committee and a team of passionate volunteers who pour their hearts into every detail. United by a shared vision, their tireless efforts ensure the event not only runs smoothly but continues to grow and excel year after year. It’s their commitment and enthusiasm that truly make the show a standout success.
Many hands make light work and if you’re interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you.