PREPARATIONS are in full swing for the return of this year’s Swan Hill Show.
The dedicated volunteers of the Show committee have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the return of the 127th event, following cancellations in 2020 and 2021, due to COVID-19.
With six weeks to go, Swan Hill District Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Reg Packer said final preparations were underway , and following the release of the Show schedule, he hoped to see lots of local entries.
“The people of Swan Hill love their Show and are always very supportive,” Mr Packer said.
“We’re very keen to see it come back again. It is, among other things, a showcase of Swan Hill.”
Mr Packer said the last two years had been difficult, dealing with the uncertainties of a worldwide pandemic, noting this was only the second time the Show had been cancelled.
“Prior to COVID, it was only ever cancelled once before, and that was in 1902 which was an extreme drought year,” Mr Packer said.
“We came so close to holding an event in 2021, everything was locked in and our schedule was printed but in the end we had to cancel it.”
Looking back, Mr Packer said it was the right move as government restrictions would have forced the cancellation of the event.
Mr Packer said the Show committee was fortunate that it had been well supported by all three tiers of government and had received financial support through grants which ensured its future.
This year marks Mr Packer’s 10th year as president of the Show – a role he fell in to, but one he has grown to love.
Mr Packer had just sold his business and was about to settle into retirement when someone suggested he help out with the organisation of the Show.
“I did and have been elected as president ever since,” he said.
“I had a very holistic view of the Show. I’d never been a Show person up until I became involved.”
A decade in, and Mr Packer has a new found appreciation of what goes into organising Swan Hill’s signature agricultural event.
“The most rewarding part is to see the Show still going strong,” Mr Packer said.
“It’s well supported by the community, local businesses and Swan Hill Rural City Council.
“I’m grateful for the support, and as long as we’re being supported, we will keep it going.”
