General News
11 May, 2023
Community members rally to revive Maryborough agricultural show
Nearly 10 years after it last ran, the Maryborough & District Agricultural Show could soon make a grand return to the local event scene with a community meeting taking place later this month. Dunolly resident Jake Meyer and Central Goldfields...
Nearly 10 years after it last ran, the Maryborough & District Agricultural Show could soon make a grand return to the local event scene with a community meeting taking place later this month.
Dunolly resident Jake Meyer and Central Goldfields Shire councillor Liesbeth Long have set the wheels turning on the event’s return after a Facebook post asking locals what they’d like to see brought to the shire drew serious attention.
Receiving over 300 comments, more than one third of those related to a return of the Maryborough & District Agricultural Show.
“I think there’s an appetite, the community really wants this and they miss the show, rides and carnival that come with it,” Cr Long said.
“This has really caught fire, everyone is so excited about the prospect of the show returning and I think that’s a fair indication that the community needs something like this.
“To me, agricultural shows epitomise what living in the country is about — it’s the sort of thing our grandparents went to.”
Initial discussions around the show’s return started late last year but the initiative has gained momentum in the last two weeks — with a number of activities, exhibits and new events already in the pipeline.
The Bealiba Pony Club have already agreed to run some events and displays at the agricultural show, with organisers in conversation with a number of other groups about possible involvement, Mr Meyer said.
“It’s something that I see mentioned a lot of the time and it’s something that’s not just for us, it’s for the kids and future generations,” he said.
“I remember coming up for the show in 2000 and they’re the sorts of memories we should be making sure our kids can have.
“I’ve spoken to some people in Avoca about getting lawn mower racing going, there’s talks for a poultry show, sheepdogging, a shearing expo, woodchopping, live music, showbags, art competitions and gold detecting as well.”
Victorian Agricultural Shows (VAS) records show the last Maryborough & District Agricultural Show took place in September 2015 — the show’s 123rd edition.
It’s hoped that the information session, set to take place on Wednesday, May 24, will help Cr Long and Mr Meyer better understand local interest in the event’s return.
“For me the information night is about gauging community interest — we’re obviously both very keen on this, but you can never assume everyone feels the same,” Cr Long said.
“There’s so much to do in this space and for me, I envisage forming a committee and sub-committees to look after specific parts of the show moving forward.
“If we can get to that stage at the meeting I’ll be stoked, but at this stage it’s more about gauging interest and all we ask is for people to bring a positive attitude, your ideas and enthusiasm.”
A VAS representative will be present on the night and Mr Meyer encouraged local businesses, as well as those involved in the Maryborough & District Agricultural Show in the past to attend.
“I’d love to see as many business owners in this shire attend the night,” he said.
“We’ll be having sponsorship of various events as part of the show and we’d love to see local businesses get involved and support this event — there will be naming rights and that sort of thing for events.”
VAS executive officer Rod Bowles said the prospect of Maryborough returning to the agricultural show calendar was exciting.
“We’re excited at the prospect of the agricultural show returning for the community and we will support it as best we can moving forward,” he said.
The information session will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at the Maryborough Community Hub from 4 pm until 5.30, with all residents invited to attend.