Committee of Management

My ‘show’ journey began when I was a young girl growing up on a farm in the wheat belt. At school we’d spend weeks making a mural to depict a theme on big sheets of brown paper that would miraculously be on display in the large exhibition pavilion.

I came to the city to further my education studying to become a primary school teacher. When I got married, Terry and I moved into the Canning district. We had three children. When they were young and we patronized the Canning Show I noticed there were no school displays. So, I volunteered to collect work from Kinlock (where my kids attended), and also from Langford PS (where I worked).

I encouraged my children to enter their exhibits alongside me. There have been a few prize-winning items along the way. Now it is my grandchildren who are starting to deliver their cakes and drawings for judging.

I have achieved status that I would never have dreamed about, receiving accolades for my role in the Early Childhood sector, as a passionate environmental ambassador and Indigenous culture educator. Through my teaching I have touched many hearts, inspired many students, pleased many parents and effectively collaborated with a number of staff.

My role as a volunteer has grown from the property manager of my son’s basketball club, the play group leader or school P&C, to include the City of Canning Reconciliation Action Group, the RSL Poppy Ladies, and Paint the Highway REaD, an early literacy program. I was honoured to be named; City of Canning Local Citizen of the Year in 2001.

I’ve been an active member of CAHRS now for many years, awarded Life Membership in 2013. It is a privilege to work with people who persist and care for the continuity of a tradition that commenced in 1909. The responsibilities I hold now leading the management group of CAHRS as President and liaising with staff is very fulfilling and a position I am extremely proud to contribute to.

My name is Claire Porter. I am mum to Luke and Adam who you may have seen around the grounds during Show Time. I am also Ray Porter’s wife. I have been volunteering at the Canning Show for over ten years now, and I love it.

I work full time as a Manager of Corporate Services in a Primary School and I have had a long history with CAHRS through my employment at Greyhounds WA as a Function Coordinator. I love being able to give back to community and enjoy my time every year helping at Canning Show, whether it be setup, volunteering over the show weekend or issuing the prize money to the lucky winners. I have to say the highlight on the Show weekend is seeing all the happy and excited exhibitors coming in to collect their pieces. I love to chat to them and see how they are going. I love seeing the regulars and then chatting to the new entrants to see how they have gone.

I would like to join the Committee to give back to the Community and be involved in the processes and decision making to promote the future activities of the Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society. Thank you.

I first became associated with CAHRS in 1989 when, as an Apex member, I was involved with working on the gates and in the Bar during the Canning Show.  In 1991 my uncle, Noel Dawkins, asked me to join the Committee of Management to fill a vacancy. As president of the Apex Club at the time, it gave me the opportunity to liaise with the Committee to ensure that the Clubs section of the running of the Show went smoothly.

My background in Architectural Drafting came in handy when it came time to renovate the Vickery Pavilion, build the Dick Liddilow Pavilion and recently the new hall. Being able to read plans and comprehend what the finished building will look like and how it will be used, I believe has been beneficial to the Society.

As I now have my own Building Maintenance business, during Show times I do running repairs around the grounds. Along with Geoff Crocos, there isn’t much that we can’t get working again.

At the 2021 Canning Show I was presented with my 30-year Service award. I am very proud that I have been able to continue volunteering with CAHRS and have made many friends along the way.

At Canning the Society is entering a new and exciting period with the development of the final new building project. Experience in development of community buildings and their use is of prime importance as the Society continues to play a major role in the life of the district.

I’ve been actively involved with the Society since 1976 and appointed life member in 1995. Positions held include vice president, joint management committee member and grounds steward. I am the Society’s representative on the Coastal Group of Agricultural Societies and am currently secretary for the group.

Professionally I have been a local government manager overseeing planning, development, and operations of a variety of community facilities and programs. Currently semi-retired and working part-time in the heritage area within local government. These involvements have provided experience in planning and working with committees and community organisations.

Other interests include being a Councillor of the National Trust of WA and am vice-chair of the Trust’s Classifications Committee; life member of the Veteran Car Club of WA – past state and federal president. I am the president of the Council of Motoring Clubs of WA and a Director of the Motor Museum of WA at Whiteman Park. Other relevant memberships include Royal WA Historical Society, Royal Agricultural Society, various collectors clubs etc.

I was born and bred in East Cannington. I attended the East Cannington Primary School now known as Beckenham Primary School. My high school years were spent at Armadale Senior High School where I achieved my Junior certificate.

As a youngster myself and my family used to travel up Bickley Road (a then sandy track) to attend the annual Canning Show. This was THE main event each year and my mother would dress myself and my sisters up for the occasion. It was an event we never missed for many years.

In 1963 I was employed by the then Shire of Canning as a switchboard operator, and later as the Secretary to the Shire Clerk.

I was employed part time as Secretary/Treasurer to the Canning Agricultural Society in 1975. I was made Life Member in 1995 and have served on the Committee of Management over a number of years, plus as Show Secretary for many years.

I have 2 sons and 6 grandchildren whom I Iove dearly. My hobbies are caravanning, camping and fishing.

For some years I have enjoyed my involvement as a committee of management member for CAHRS. Installed as a Life member off CAHRS.

My 43 years as a Lions Club member in many management positions, installed as a Life member of Lions Clubs International.

Current Chairman of the Board for the Lions Dryandra Woodlands Holiday Village.

National Medal holder for my 20 Year service as a professional Ambulance Officer.

Recognised By the City of Canning with Australia Day Award for Senior Citizen of the Year 2022.

I seek re-election so that I can continue to offer my volunteering skills and knowledge to the Society.

My name is Afra Yusya and I currently work in the IT industry. Prior to entering the IT world, I was a staff member of CAHRS for 6 years, and have enjoyed my time with the CAHRS staff, members and customers – so much so that I am nominating for a seat on the CAHRS Committee of Management!

Thanks to the Society, I have over 6 years of administrative experience and I believe this would be a good advantage to have as a committee member. I have very insightful knowledge of the operations of CAHRS, which includes being part of a team for the annual Canning Show. I understand what it takes to create a successful Canning Show, and I believe my knowledge and experience will continue to assist in running the Show smoothly.

I also have a firm understanding of the Society’s aims and objectives and I would like to assist in achieving its strategic objectives with increased success.

I believe I can advocate for both staff, members and volunteers of the Society with my considerable experience. As a committee member I will help and be involved in as many CAHRS events as possible, and be an active and engaged member of the Society. I look forward to contributing to the growth of CAHRS and its community as we evolve our venue, programming and shows.