Building on the success of the respected local Beaudesert Show Society is the focus of inaugural CEO Chris Cochrane.
The society has appointed a CEO for the first time since it was established in 1889, signalling a new era for the largely volunteer-run group.
Mr Cochrane, who has a background in precinct management, started his full-time role with the society on July 7 and has a vision to attract more events to the grounds and tap into the show’s strong community connections.
The Gold Coast grandfather grew up in country New South Wales, rose through the ranks in hospitality, sports and entertainment venue management, served as general manager of Brisbane Cricket Ground and ANZ Stadium, went into consulting before spending time in the US through his wife’s work in gym franchises and returned to work on the Commonwealth Games with the Gold Coast Turf Club, and with Aquis at Canungra.
Mr Cochrane spoke with passion about his vision to enhance the work of local show society.
“The show is very well organised here and has great participation, it’s everything either side of that I’m here to focus on in the sense of strategy and way forward, what’s our master plan?” he said.
“What I love here is the community aspect – the show society is all about giving everything back to the community and you don’t find that very often anymore. It’s that regional feel – everyone’s pulling for the town.”
Society President Ian Harrison, who this year marks 30 years volunteering in that role and has volunteered with the Society since the early 1980s, reflected on the significance of Mr Cochrane’s appointment.
“The show is moving forward, hopefully in the direction of being able to get more activities on the grounds and also to reduce the workload of the volunteers of the committee, many who have served over a long period of time,” he said.
“I’d also like to thank show Secretary Andrea McFarlane (15 years in the role) for all the extra time and effort she’s had to put in during the interim while we were getting this position sorted out and to the volunteer show committee.”
