Best Innovation Award Small Section Finalists

Koroit Show – Koroit Field Day

The societies future was in doubt and attendances falling so the society recognised they needed to go back to their roots of an agricultural show and engage with the local community again. The aim was to fill a space of 200m x 200m with agricultural machinery and trade stands. Local businesses were approached but word of mouth worked its magic with over 65 exhibitors attending. Demo Dairy Foundation supported the event, which ended up delivering guest speakers and demonstrations throughout the day. The feedback from all attendees was very positive and moving forward the Koroit Field Day will be a 2 day event. The field day approach now compliments the livestock and homecraft competitions and ensures the future of the society with a positive outlook for the future.

Pakenham Show – Make & Wear Competition

This competition is for the sewing section and the aim is for the exhibitor to plan and make an outfit and these garments need to be able to be worn. Every year the show has a theme, and this competition uses that theme. In 2025 the theme was Bees so entrants used bee printed fabric and previous entrants are already waiting for the 2026 theme so they can start their entry. Local businesses have come on board as sponsors of the event offering monetary or vouchers and have been apart of the judging process as well. This initiative was started by a Junior/Senior Ambassador due to her studying a diploma in Fashion Design & Technology.

Yarram Show – Honeyeater Trail Showbag

The trail showbag was introduced to attract more attendees and engage with the community plus create a different way of seeing the show. Starting off with 100 showbags in the first year the show partnered with local businesses to donate products for the bag such as water bottle, toothbrush, cheese, a hat just to name a few and these products were collected around the show at trade stands and as they collected, they had a number stamped off on their passport. Once the trail was completed then they could return to the office and complete the form to go into the draw to win a gift card supplied by a sponsor. Great feedback was received, and comments were made like “I have never seen the whole show before” and this innovation also creates a little extra revenue for the society. This innovation was started by a Junior Ambassador and she built great partnerships with local businesses.