THE Swan Hill show has a long and proud history almost entirely forged off the back of dedicated volunteers.
Swan Hill and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society was formed in 1893 with a group of local men at the helm.
The idea of a show was a way for the district to showcase the ‘best in area’, thus increasing sales along with best practices along the way.
The society encouraged modern farming methods and has seen many advancements over time.
From horse-drawn ploughs, hand milking and blade shearing to modern farming tools and techniques which include machinery, technology and products to enrich crops and yields.
The show society takes pride in the role it has played in the development and showcasing of these advancements over 131 years.
The first show took place in 1895 and quickly became a major event on the community’s calendar.
The first agricultural show was a one-day event held on September 24, and it was estimated more than 2000 people attended.
Despite the ups and downs of the farming industry, the show has endured through droughts, floods and plagues to remain a key date on the social calendar of Swan Hill and surrounding districts.
The current committee consists of 14 members who begin planning for the show in February each year.
Many of the current and past members have long family ties to the show, often multi-generational and with whole family involvement.
Janette Davison is a current committee member who recalls her parent’s, Jack and Oney Anderson, being involved with country shows since she was a young girl.
“Both mum and dad enjoyed the outdoors and were very involved with pony club, and dad also had sheep studs that he would enter into shows we’d travel to,” she said.
“In those days, there was a general committee which was more for the men, and then a ladies committee which mum joined.
“In total, dad would have spent around 30 years on show committees and mum close to 45 years.
“I guess, in some ways, I was born into it,” she laughed.
Janette would later marry husband Robert Davison and the pair would continue to be involved in the Swan Hill and Donald shows, and later their children would take part in competitions and help out with the running of the show.
“As a child, I loved the sheep side of things whereas my brother and sister were into the horses,” she said.
“Later, my own children got involved in their own ways, in the things that interested them and that is what is great about the show – there is something for everyone.”
Current committee member Jenny Asling also remembers a lifelong connection to country shows.
“I moved to Swan Hill in 1980 and I can recall being part of them before that,” she said.
“My cousins competed in equestrian and my aunty, Myra Edwards, competed in the cooking for many years.
“She’s 92 years old now, but her granddaughter and great granddaughter still compete.”
Both ladies agree that while the show can be a lot of work, it is also rewarding.
“It’s a great way to meet new friends and I guess I also feel proud about putting on something special for the town,” Janette said.
“The committee would welcome any new members in any capacity, whether its as a committee member or just to help out on show days.
“Secondary school aged children and above would be most welcome.”
Janette and Robert are life members and Robert has been president.
He passed away this year, but his legacy and contribution to the region’s agricultural show and its history will endure.
Not just through his efforts in the past, but most likely through future generations of his family who it seems cannot help but gravitate towards the uniquely Australian country shows.
If you’re interested in volunteering with the show society, contact the show office on 5032 4314 or email enquiries@swanhillshow.com.au.
Historical information taken from book, The Show Must Go On, by Gwen Warne.
