The ASC presented the President’s Innovation Award to the WSS at the organisation’s annual dinner in Sydney. 

ASC president David Peters said Wellington was shortlisted by a committee before he had the final say. 

According to Mr Peters, the WSS has implemented a number of initiatives. 

“This award is generally given to show societies who do things over and above what they would normally do.

“These grants are a reward for innovation and to ensure we help show societies continue on into the future,” he said.

In the application, the WSS outlined their plans to use the money to improve equipment for the Flowers, Pots and Home Produce sections of the show. 

WSS vice-president Danielle Anderson said the award is of great help to the society.

“The cash prize is a very welcome surprise; it’s all a culmination of the work the Wellington Show Society has done over the last few years. 

“Having this extra money takes a bit of pressure off of the show society,” Mrs Anderson said.

Mr Peters said the WSS found themselves faced with a familiar problem – finding enough money to put on their show. 

“As is the case with many show societies today, the Wellington society’s showgrounds had deteriorated and needed renovation. As a result, sponsorship was difficult to maintain and entries had dropped. 

“They needed to improve their showground but needed to find the finances.

“It is becoming very difficult for some shows to function the way they used to,” Mr Peters said.

Mr Peters said the WSS introduced a battery drive, where residents could drop off their batteries and they are taken away for recycling.

“Over 7 years they have raised $10,500 with minimal effort.

“They also distributed art supplies to local day care centres to increase the number of art and craft competition entries. 

“They got hundreds of entries which meant parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts were dragged to the Pavilion to see their work,” he said.

Mr Peters also said the WSS have also developed a new ticketing system to streamline process for entries in the lead up to the Show. 

Mrs Anderson said the WSS is planning a big event for Wellington’s big birthday.

“People can expect to see some great entertainment to celebrate the bicentenary. It will be a big Show this year.”

In 2014 the WSS received a Department of Infrastructure grant for $372,502.90 (including GST) to rebuild and refurbish various.

The 2017 Wellington Show will be on May 20.