General News
12 May, 2023
Sheepvention set for another year
ALL roads will lead to Hamilton early August when the annual Sheepvention Rural Expo returns for another year.
Following a number of years trialling a three-day format, this year the event will return to two days – Sunday, August 6 and Monday, August 7.
The two-day format will open up to a wider range of exhibitors and competitors. “Last year’s event was a huge success considering the circumstances we all faced,” newly appointed Sheepvention president David Botterill said.
“As a committee we’ve had to make some changes this year, to ensure the event continuous to be successful.”
After a lot of feedback the committee decided to return to two days, allowing families and school children to come through on Sunday and corporate organisations on Monday.
“We’re also going with a slightly new look in terms of marquees, by combining pavilions,” Mr Botterill said.
The group is keen to continue welcoming children up to 18 years of age free of charge, thanks to support of the Victorian Governments’ Children Entry COVID Recovery Grants Program.
For the past two years, most of the state’s agricultural shows have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the grants help organisers return to pre-pandemic attendance and revenue.
“Free entry for kids makes it easier for families to come along and see firsthand best on-farm practices and to immerse themselves in learning experiences to better understand agriculture,”
Sarah-Jane McCormack, Agriculture Victoria executive director, policy and programs said.
Following the hesitancy of the pandemic in 2022, an increased number of exhibitors are expected to trade this year.
The event provides a platform for agribusiness, machinery, equipment, livestock and professional services to come together to showcase their products and services.
Trade exhibitors are now encouraged to apply online, with applications closing on Friday, June 2.
In addition, the renowned ‘inventions competition’ will again highlight some of the most creative ideas from entrepreneurs and inventors.
Keen inventors are now encouraged to put their thinking caps on and start ticking away on the tools to make their great ideas come to life.
Applications for all competitions, including the Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show, Victorian Yard Dog Championships, inventions competition and wool handling competitions are now open.
The societies dedicated volunteer network has declined over the years due to an ageing demographic and limited time availability, and like many other organisations, the committee has found that it has been difficult to engage new volunteers in recent years.
Volunteers play a vital role in the event’s successful running each day, assisting in the management of pavilions, competitions and activities throughout.
Moving forward the committee hopes to implement strategies to decrease volunteer hours to make volunteering more attractive for all.
-=Anyone interested in volunteering is encourage to contact the society. More information about the event can be found at www.sheepvention.com.
