VOLUNTEERS are the lifeblood of the Swan Hill District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show.
Each year they work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the event to fruition, and without their hard work and dedication, there simply wouldn’t be an event.
Elizabeth Kaylock has been volunteering with the show for around 15 years after joining the Pavilion Supporters’ Committee.
Despite living in New South Wales, the Kaylock family has supported the show for many years.
Each year, Ms Kaylock encouraged her three children to take part in Swan Hill’s signature agricultural event by exhibiting something into one of the many categories which “sparked their interest”.
While Ms Kaylock’s children are now in their 20s, they have many fond memories of taking part in the show.
From cooking up a storm in the kitchen, in a bid to perfect the humble honey joy, to pampering their pets prior to the hotly-contested pet parade, Ms Kaylock said contributing to the show taught her children a range of valuable life skills.
Meanwhile, Ms Kaylock realised the need for more volunteers at a local level while dropping off her children’s entries one year.
“I noticed that the stewards were quite elderly,” Ms Kaylock said.
With this in mind, she offered her support and has been actively involved ever since.
This year, Ms Kaylock is head steward for floral art, a position she’s held for around three years.
Overseeing the junior and senior divisions, Ms Kaylock said she enjoyed seeing the creations come to life.
With a passion for gardening, Ms Kaylock said the floral art category was very inspirational.
“I love the excitement and seeing the different exhibits and the different take on how each entrant interprets the design,” Ms Kaylock said.
“With each level of experience, their way of thinking changes and this can be seen in their designs.”
One of Ms Kaylock’s favourite categories within floral art is the novelty creature class in the junior floral art competition.
“They have to create a novelty creature from fruit or vegetables,” Ms Kaylock said, noting this category always resulted in some amazing, original creations.
“In the past we’ve had a caterpillar with legs of broccoli and a hedgehog,” she said.
“The children enjoy learning to create something by using natural plants and materials, while thinking outside the box.”
While volunteering keeps her busy, Ms Kaylock said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She said a highlight of the show was seeing the entrants visit the pavilion throughout the show to see their entries on display.
“The delight you get from people that come in to see their exhibits, it really is quite a joy,” Ms Kaylock said.
It’s never too late to become a volunteer with the show society.
There’s a role to suit everyone.
Contact the show office to see how you can become involved and be a part of this year’s event.
