THIS year's Richmond Field Days and Races will hold extra significance for north western communities as it will be the first major event in the region since the devastating flooding in February.
The field days will go over two days, Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15 with the race meeting taking place on the Saturday afternoon.
Richmond Field Days secretary, Kacie Lord, said while many graziers counted the monetary cost of having stock and property washed away, another effect soon emerged.
"There has also been another cost, a very hidden cost in some cases - the emotional cost," Ms Lord said.
"For many it was a form of grief, to see pastures washed away and animals left dying was shattering for many people.
"Everyone handles grief differently but for many it is about getting on with life, doing the normal things and it was on that basis that we realised the importance of pushing ahead and getting the field days up and running at a time when it just seemed too hard."
She said support had come from many "angels", including Rotary which donated $6000 to make sure the event happened.
The Moreton Sale Yards in the south east of the state donated $1500.
"Even my sister in Brisbane donated $1000 because she just wanted to do something to help," Ms Lord said.
February's flooding has directly impacted this year's field days through the cancellation of the regular bull sale.
"The cancelling of the bull sale was a difficult decision for the committee," Ms Lord said.
"We are a cow town and not to have that industry represented at our community's premier event is a shame but in the light of the February floods and the loss of so many cattle there was just not the numbers to have any strong showing with cattle."
She also made special mention of Jamie Walker from the ANZ bank in Townsville.
"Jamie contacted me immediately after the floods with an offer of support in whatever form we wanted," she said.
"That support has never wavered and he has since got all the major banks on board, all supporting the great event.
"Our president, David Fox and his wife Patsy, were at the forefront of the helicopter support service during the floods and have not stopped since the day the rain stopped but still they find the time to do what they need to do to keep the field days going.
"The Richmond Field Days is a very social event and it needed to happen this year and it is."
Plenty to see
ORGANISERS have again managed to pull together a program that includes old favourities and new attractions.
One of the new exhibits will be a three metre drone demonstration, presented by Meat and Livestock Australia in association with Hitachi.
The display will aim to demonstrate what is possible with drones and rural businesses.
For those who enjoy the food side of any event, a food court will be created this year to give an extra special atmosphere to consume the culinary delights.
Ms Lord said the regular exhibitors will be returning to give people a chance to stock up on goods and services at great prices.
"Anything from Mac trucks to motorbikes and buggies to cow hides will be available over the two days," she said.
The Royal Flying Doctors Service will be there with its Pitstop, providing 15 minute health checks for free.
- richmondfielddays.com.au
