Outstanding Individual Contribution 40 Years & Over Category Finalists

Geoff Young 

Geoff was president of the Pakenham Show for 11 years and when he took on the role the Show was in one of their most challenging periods when the Show had to move location from the Pakenham Racecourse to the PB Ronald Reserve. The new grounds had no fence and was smaller, so Geoff had to get the committee to adapt and acquire more sponsorship due to not being able to charge a gate fee.

One of Geoff’s most remarkable contributions was the introduction of the multicultural stage, which celebrated the rich diversity of the community and is now such an important part of the event. His ability to build connections between various communities and groups is a credit to Geoff’s skills in creating such an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. As Geoff continues to stay involved in the Show his positive attitude and hands on approach has such a positive impact on all involved. Geoff is also heavily involved in the Garfield Scout Group, Rotary and the Pakenham Blue Light Disco.  

John Smith 

John has been a part of the Kyabram Show since 1968 and is still a current committee member. He was made a life member in the late 1980’s due to his commitment to the society and the rodeo event ran every March by the society. He has been Grounds Manager for the majority of this time as well and has a vast knowledge of where every pipe and electrical cable runs. He takes pride in the way the grounds are presented for every event that may be held and stays on top of any maintenance that needs to be done.

John has been the driving force behind the rodeo and has built and maintained key relationships with many of the key stakeholders of the rodeo over the many years. His efforts towards the rodeo were recognised in the late 1980’s with the Rodeo Arena named “The John Smith Rodeo Arena Kyabram”. His time and commitment to events is commended as he is the main person that works with each event to make sure the grounds are to the requirements of the event. 

Nicole Nunn

Nicole has been involved in the Donald Show for 20 years and has held every executive position as she was treasurer from 2005 to 2007 then secretary from 2008 to 2015 and now currently president since 2019. Nicole is known as a quiet achiever with great ideas and very approachable to all. The Donald Show has evolved into the online world with Nicole being a main supporter for this change with a big social media presence, online entries and this allows competitors to still enter up until the day of the show.

Nicole was one of the main volunteers who held the 2015 VAS Convention in Donald, which successfully proved that a small town could host the Convention. She is the current President of the Wimmera Group and her passion for shows has stemmed from her grandparents the late Alan & Marie Hendy. She has been recognised for her efforts with a Donald Show Life Membership in 2022 and Donald Citizen of the Year in 2023. 

Reginald Packer 

Reg has been a member of the Swan Hill Show since 2012 and has been President for the past 12 years and only just handing over the reins this year while staying in the background supporting the new executive. He was awarded a life membership in 2021 due to dedication and contributions to the society. Reg has a long list of jobs he would complete from year to year including managing trade sites, organising advertising, sponsorship coordination, liaising with staff & volunteers, acquiring grants, budgeting, organising OH&S, organising contractors and everything else in between.

When Reg took over as President, he introduced financial budgeting to secure the future of the Show and then started to build partnerships with local businesses, which are still going strong today. Reg has also been involved in the Northern District Group holding a Vice President role. Before being involved in the Swan Hill Show he was one of the founding members of the Swan Hill Field Days where he was Chairman of this event for over 20 years. 

Robbie Davidson

Robbie has been involved in showing for over 70 years where he has shown horses, dogs and cattle both locally and at royal shows. He became a committee member over 30 years ago and is chief cattle steward. He continues to show his jovial enthusiasm for agriculture and brings new and innovative ideas to the table for each show but goes away and does the hard work to make the idea happen. He is extremely encouraging to youth, and his wealth of knowledge is invaluable to the show.

Robbie has been a part of creating many competitions and attractions at the show such as the Donkey Show, Pigeon Show, Cat Show, Sheep and Goat Competitions, Giant Pumpkin Growing and the recent innovation the Calf Classic. This invigorated the cattle section again due to dwindling numbers, but the event was such a success in 2025 that the engagement will only grow into the future. He leads by example with a strong work ethic and hardly never misses a meeting and Robbie has been honoured as a life member of the society.