One phone call in 1992 set Michael Kennedy on a volunteering journey that has spanned more than three decades.
Former CEO Geoff Cannock, a colleague of Michael’s, rang to ask if he’d be willing to help out as councillor for the Workforce and Z Shed.
Michael has just about done it all over the past 35 years. He’s served as a councillor, Board member, Vice President, President, stepped in twice as acting CEO and, these days, works alongside wife Tina at the National Wine Show, Regional Wine Show and pitches in with the VIP catering at Royal Canberra Show.
Every role brought a little more responsibility but despite the long hours and many high pressure moments, the people have kept him coming back.
“The friends I’ve made are the most important thing for me. I’ve worked with some wonderful people, often in really stressful situations, and we still celebrate those successes together,” Michael says.
One of the biggest highlights came recently when Michael was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society.
“It was a real honour,” he says. “A nice reward for a lot of years of work, and fun.”
After more than 30 years, Michael has no shortage of stories. One of his favourites involves a camel that escaped from the Grand Parade.
“It took off around the arena, then someone opened the gate and it just kept going,” he laughs. “It ran out of the grounds and wasn’t found until a few hours later, happily grazing nearby.”
Not every memory has been quite so amusing. As President, Michael also faced one of the most stressful days in the Show’s history when relentless rain caused widespread flooding across the grounds during Show weekend.
“We had to make several important decisions very quickly,” he recalls. “That was stressful.”
The Royal Canberra Show has become a huge part of Michael’s life, but it’s also become a family affair. His wife Tina and all four of his children have volunteered over the years and continue to support the Show and other Royal National Capital Agricultural Society events.
Looking ahead to the next century, Michael hopes the Show never loses what makes it special.
“I hope it’s still a hands-on event,” he says.
