The event at the Nowra Showground pavilion was aimed as a way of the show society to give back to the local farming community who, for over 140 years, have supported the annual Nowra Show.

Reflecting on a particularly tough 2018, with many farms struggling through the worst drought in several decades, the Nowra Show Society social committee put the idea to the management committee which backed the event.

Funds raised through a raffle at the showgirl presentation dinner last November covered the cost of the event.

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More than 70 guests attended the inaugural event, enjoying an informal get together.

Nowra Show Society secretary Robyn Nelson said it was important that farmers, get together and just talk.

“No one really knows what is going on at the neighbour’s property and it is events like this that encourage us to connect on a deeper level and share our lives, the good and the bad,” Mrs Nelson said.

Nowra Show president, Tom Cochrane distributed care packages to 20 local farming families.

“It was a great night and a fantastic way to get farmers and their families off the farm and away from the issues they are dealing with on a day to day basis,” he said.

“It provided local farmers the chance to sit down and have a break in a social atmosphere.

“It was just a way for the show society to firstly say thanks for all their support of our organisation but also a way to say we know things are tough and we are thinking of our local farmers.”

The hampers, obtained through a grant from the RAS Foundation, included a picnic set, cooler bag, cosmetics, and associated toys.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation helps to build strong, vibrant and resilient rural communities through education and skills development.

It provides grants and scholarships to help rural Australians realise their potential through education, make a difference in their communities and achieve their ambitions.

After such a successful evening, the show society is now considering whether to make it an annual event.

Of course the annual Nowra Show, with an action packed program of events, will be held on February 8-9.