Volunteers are needed for the Whittlesea Show, both to prepare for the show and help with the running of the show.
Taking place on November 5 and 6 – it is the first Whittlesea Show in three years due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.
Whittlesea Agricultural Society president Erica Hawke said the Show brought together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life with the aim of conducting a great spectacle.
“Volunteering is an excellent way to share and receive experience through being hands on at the show, work has been going on in all areas of the show, volunteering can be fun, and rewarding,” she said.
“There are opportunities in all areas of the show, and new volunteers are very welcome.
“There is the works committee that take on show preparation works of all sorts, the administration office have many jobs and each section operate their own groups.”
Ms Hawke said volunteers were the lifeblood of the show society, and people of all ages, capabilitis, genders and backgrounds were welcome to assist.
Volunteering also promotes change, allows people to learn new skills, extend involvement in the show community, and meet a diverse range of people that come together for the show.
“So if its arts and crafts, photography, education, sheep, cattle, horses or the animal nursery food expo, finance, poultry, catering, public relations, show council member, or maybe the vintage machinery area, woodchop, ground organisation, fun and games, attractions or grass cutting – there is a position for everyone,” she said.
Leading up to the show, there are works organised for each Saturday starting at 9am, as well as on Melbourne Cup Day and the week prior to November 5.
Ms Hawks said each section was in preparation mode for the show.
More information can be found at the administration building at gate one, Mcphees Road, Whittlesea, by calling 9716 2835 or emailing info@whittleseashow.org.au.
Sign up as a member
The society is also calling for people to sign up as members to help boost its financial support.
The society is considered one of the oldest agricultural societies in Victoria, and members are the support network behind the Whittlesea Show – the largest two-day show in the state.
The society also host other events throughout the year including an open day and Whittlesea Community Christmas Tree Extravaganza in December.
Ms Hawke said memberships cost $60 and were valid for 12 months.
“Members receive the opportunity to join Whittlesea Agricultural Society Council and become part of the think-tank behind the society,” she said.
“They have voting rights at the annual AGM, and receive newsletters and updates and are involved in organising our community, social and educational events throughout the year.”
Ms Hawke said members also benefitted from hands-on experience and sharing knowledge and information, learning new skills; engaging with a diverse range of people, and through volunteering gain a sense of achievement.
“You don’t have to be a farmer to join the society and there are a wide variety of areas you can choose to be involved with,” she said.
Members receive a show membership ticket and guest ticket for both days, free show entry for accompanied children under 14 years of age; access to members carpark at the show, a one-third discount on show entry fees for livestock except show entries on the day for horses; voting rights at annual general and special meetings; a copy of the show schedule, eligible for nomination to a position on the council and executive council committees and invitations to attend other society events with special discounts.
