Our 40th Annual Bonsai Show was truly a weekend to remember, filled with excitement, learning, and incredible displays of creativity!
The look of joy on everyone’s faces was priceless, especially when the winner of both the prestigious Ray Nesci Patron’s Award and 1st place in the Advanced category was announced. The surprise and delight reflected the true spirit of the show – a celebration of passion, dedication, and hard work.
In each category – Teacher, Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner – students were thrilled as they discovered their placings, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners announced. It was a proud moment for all, especially for one student who, after almost 10 years with the school, exhibited her amazing trees for the very first time! The sense of accomplishment was everywhere.
The exhibits were simply first class – beautifully presented on stands, accompanied by creative "soes" (companion plants). A standout exhibit came from an elderly gentleman who created a fantastic bushfire recovery forest scene, complete with fire extinguishers, buckets, and wildlife figurines. His attention to detail was extraordinary.
Under the guidance of our President and Show Committee, this event wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of our dedicated students who volunteered their time, ensuring everything ran smoothly and making the weekend a huge success. From organising donations for the raffle, running the BBQ, setting up marquees, chairs, and tables, to meticulously displaying the bonsais, everyone played a vital role. Our stewards kept the bonsais watered, greeted guests with smiles, and answered all sorts of questions. Others helped with registering the bonsais, printing exhibit cards, setting up the display tables, and manning the bonsai clinic to offer expert advice.
A special thank you to the Ray Nesci team for keeping everyone well-fed with sausages and rolls, as well as providing free tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits. The demonstrators delivered informative talks, sharing their expertise and love for bonsai with the crowd.
A special thanks to our esteemed judge, John Marsh, who had the challenging task of selecting the winners from such a high caliber of entries.
One of the most touching moments of the show was the special tribute to Ray Mackaway, our beloved teacher and mentor. In honor of his legacy, a beautifully crafted bonsai was displayed as a tribute tree, symbolising the impact he had on our School and the many students he inspired over the years. The tree was meticulously styled, reflecting Ray’s artistic vision and the deep knowledge he passed on to so many. It stood as a reminder of his lasting influence, not only in shaping bonsai but in shaping the hearts and minds of everyone fortunate enough to learn from him.
What a treat it was to see the Australiana-themed Suiseki display at our School of Bonsai Show this year! The beautiful stone arrangements transported us to the heart of Outback Australia, capturing the warm desert hues, rustic charm of a country cottage, and the spirit of Australian wildlife.
Each stone told a story of our unique landscape, perfectly reflecting the rugged beauty and natural wonders of our great land. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this captivating display to life—it truly was a highlight of the show!
But perhaps the best part of the day was the camaraderie that filled the air. Bonsai enthusiasts from all walks of life came together, exchanging stories, comparing notes, and talking about their triumphs and challenges with their trees. The sense of community was truly heartwarming.
We couldn’t be more grateful for the support of our amazing bonsai family and community. Here’s to another incredible year of bonsai!
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