A dairy goat breeder - with significant experience at the helm of a country show, is the new face behind the Maitland Show.
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Brett Gleeson signed on as Maitland Showground manager in November - just 100 days before the annual event was set to begin.
That tight timeframe hasn't phased him though. He has all of the main attractions locked in and has promised it will be full of fun for the whole family.
Mr Gleeson has always had a strong connection with country shows but it was a chance visit to the showground office that sealed his fate.
"I actually called in to pay my membership and become part of the association and found out that the manager wasn't there anymore. I applied for the job and was interviewed and got the job," he said.
"Had I not called in that day I would not have know that the job was available."
Read more: Main events locked in for 2020 Maitland Show
Mr Gleeson comes to Maitland after a stint with Newcastle Show. He joined in the 1990s and had a couple of stints on the board before he became the president and then the general manager.
"I'm enjoying the role, I've got all of the main attractions locked in. I want to be much further ahead next time and have the show locked in by November each year," he said.
"My connection with shows goes back to when I was growing up as a child on the family farm in the New England region. I have had a strong connection with shows all my life," he said.
"Professionally I have been a general manager or a CEO for the last 35 years. I live at Seaham, and I've been there for 30 years."
Mr Gleeson said the three-day show offered city-based residents a chance to immerse themselves in agriculture.
"It's bringing the city to the country and that's particularly important with the growing urbanisation in the Maitland area," he said.
"It's giving young people a chance to connect with rural life and understand the reality and the truth about where their food comes from.
"It gives people a chance to be involved in a whole range of activities. It's also an important part of our Australian heritage."
Mr Gleeson said country shows have always held a special place in his heart.
"They are a unique event, unlike a music festival or a car race. I think they've got a strong place in the country for a long time to come," he said.
"I love the inter-generational connections - the grandparents coming to the show with their kids, passing on their connection with the land and rural life to their grandkids. That's what I do with my grandkids."
The show will be held at Maitland Showground on February 14, 15 and 16.
The annual rodeo will proceed on the Friday night and there will be a fireworks display on the Saturday evening.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children aged 5 and over, $10 for pensioners and a family pass is $40.