VAS Ltd Show Awards - Outstanding Individual Contribution Finalists
/Outstanding Individual Contribution 39 Years & Under Finalists
Berwick Show - Bridget Leahy
Bridget first became involved in the Berwick Show when she was showing sheep with her school in 2011. Since then, her partner Kane and her have established a Hampshire Down & Corriedale Stud now showing sheep across the state. They now are the coordinators of the Berwick Show Sheep Section, which has thrived since they have taken over with new exhibitors and sponsors now engaged in the Bewick Show. This year Bridget approached the committee about starting a discovery trail in the aim to engage with families to showcase the agricultural and horticultural values of the show. This has been a huge success and will thrive in years to come. Bridget’s contribution is deeply appreciated, and her enthusiasm is very refreshing for the Berwick Show.
Corryong Show - Emma Klippel
Emma has been involved with the Corryong Show for many years but joined the committee in 2019 and took on the pivotal role of Secretary in 2021. The show faced a critical period in 2018 whether it was ceasing or going ahead, and Emma’s leadership and commitment played a central role in getting the event going again and has kept growing ever since. She has modernised the Society with digital platforms and been willing to teach and guide committee members through this process. Her passion is the pavilion sections at the show and has led the sub-committee to expand and grow the entries, which is now a wonderful display on Show Day. Emma has been pivotal in attracting new sponsorships and grants that have now set up the Corryong Show into the future due to her commitment and dedication.
Dandenong Show - Kate Reedy
Kate has been involved in the Dandenong Show most of her life with strong family connections holding office bearer positions in the past. She joined the committee back in 2014 and has been running the animal nursery with her father for many years. She was President for two years completing her term in 2025 and has been a main contributor across many show sections including the pony club ring. Kate was the main initiator of the Kids Korner for the 2025 Show and successfully engaged sponsors to make this an engaging and interactive space for show goers. She is incredibly hardworking and never says “no” to a working bee. Her dedication and commitment to the Dandenong Show is deeply appreciated.
Stawell Show - Emma Bourke
Emma first became involved in the Society, when she was a volunteer in the horse section. In 2017 she played a key role in establishing the Horsemanship challenge, which she managed all the scoring on Show Day. In 2024 she became the Secretary of the Show, which she has brought strong organisational skills, professionalism and fresh ideas to the role, which has strengthened operations and community presence of the Stawell Show. She has also showed leadership in managing the relationships with the Harness Racing Club working towards a positive and cooperative future. Emma brings strong enthusiasm, leadership and a proactive can-do attitude that has contributed so positively to the Society.
Yarrawonga Show - Lisa Beattie
Lisa has been involved with the Show since she was little helping her grandfather prepare and show sheep. He had also been the steward of the sheep section for many years and as Lisa became older, she worked alongside her grandfather learning the ropes. In 2021 Lisa became a committee member and is a regular attendee at meetings. In 2024 two of the head sheep stewards stepped down and Lisa offered to be the head steward of the Sheep Section. Lisa created a sub-committee for the Sheep Section which work collectively on the running of the section and Lisa reports back frequently to the show committee. She is also a great helper with delivering flyers, contacting sponsors and following up school entries, which her contribution is greatly appreciated.
Outstanding Individual Contribution 40 - 59 Years Finalists
Clunes Show - Robert Anderson dec.
Robert is a third-generation volunteer to the Clunes Show with his Grandfather and Father contributing strongly over many years. He has been an active committee member since 2010 and has been a main contributor to the Prime Lamb Competition on Show Day. He served as Senior Vice President and was due to lead the Society as President in 2026, which unfortunately never eventuated due to his sudden passing in January. He had a background in engineering and was the go-to man if anything needed repaired, improved or built on the showgrounds. He would go above and beyond, and his time, labour and expertise are immeasurable for what he has done for the Clunes Show.
Donald Show - Nicole Nunn
Nicole has been involved in the Donald Show for 21 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, which she now manages the social media presence along with the introducing new and progressive attractions. She is the current President of the Wimmera Group and her passion for shows has stemmed from her grandparents the late Alan & Marie Hendy. Her dedication and positive energy have really evolved the Donald Show into an event the community look forward to every year.
Wangaratta Show - Charmane Bennett
Charmane’s involvement with the Show started as a craft and horticultural exhibitor, which then eventuated into Horticultural Steward and Head Fleece Steward. She joined the Ladies Committee in early 2000’s and is currently Ladies Committee Secretary since 2016. In 2021 she took over the role of Secretary for the Society succeeding a secretary for 40 years. Charmane has made such an impact in advancing with the use of technology and improving efficiency through modernisations of processes. Outside of this role she is an accredited Horticultural Show Judge and is involved in the Machine Knitters Association of Victoria. She is the president of the North Eastern Group where she has developed connection with the shows in the Group. Her leaderships and dedication is very appreciated in the roles she has taken on.
Whittlesea Show - Emma Horman
Emma has been involved in the Society for many years and has volunteered in many areas of the Show. She has been an Honorary Councillor for more than 15 years and has been the Education Steward for 20 years. She is currently holding the role as the Ribbon coordinator, which she has done for 6 years, which is a great achievement as it can be a difficult and thankless task to get all the ribbons sorted and to where they need to be on Show Day. Emma has served as President and helped establish the WAYS (Whittlesea Agricultural Youth Society), which she supported new people to join the Society. Emma shows a deep and genuine commitment to the Society and is very humble, but her time and effort is greatly appreciated.
Outstanding Individual Contribution 60 Years & Over Finalists
Boort Show - Marjory Potter
Marjory first became involved with the society in 1972 joining the ladies committee and is still an active committee member today. She has been a key organiser of Society events such as the Debutante Ball and Wool Fashion Parade over many years. Marj was Show Secretary for 10 years and has set up a temporary office in the main street for over 20 years taking entries. On Show Day she is office manager and fields the many questions as well as deal with different issues that arise. Marj has also been heavily involved in the Northern District Group and makes sure the Boort entries make it to Group Final every year. She is an amazing mentor and a true supporter of innovation but her dedication and commitment has guaranteed the success of the Boort Show.
Rochester Show - Faye Moon
Faye has been a long serving committee member for over 60 years, which her main involvement has been as Cattle steward. Over the years Faye has held the position of Secretary and Treasurer and has also stepped into other additional roles when needed to ensure the ongoing operation of the Show. Faye is one to support new volunteers and committee members with her willingness to share her knowledge and support them in their areas. She compiled a publication, which was the Rochester Show history from 1880 – 1986 and this has ensured the past has been documented and is accessible for future generations. She is a quiet achiever and the genuine passion she demonstrates will have a lasting impact on the Rochester Show.
Sunbury Show - Edward Troutbeck
Edward has been involved in the agricultural show movement for more than 60 years and has a longstanding relationship and contributor to the Sunbury, Whittlesea and Seymour Shows as well as the Melbourne Royal Show. His involvement has been with the cattle sections in particular exhibiting Guernsey cattle. He has been a mentor, advisor, exhibitor and source of encouragement to exhibitors and particularly supporting new and emerging members. He has been the VAS representative for the Sunbury Show for many years and attended many conferences and meetings. Edward is a generous supporter of Shows and his dedication to the agricultural show movement is one to be admired.
Whittlesea Show - Robert Draper
Robert’s family has had a longstanding involvement with the Show, and he joined the Society as a councillor more than 40 years ago. He has had numerous roles including Executive committee, Finance committee, HR Committee, Attractions committee, Horse committee and Arena Coordinator. He was also President the year the Society celebrated 150 years. One of Robert’s greatest achievements was the creation of the Pioneer Pavilion, which he gifted the society the pavilion to display publicly horse drawn vehicles and farming memorabilia. This first opened in 2024 and stands as a lasting educational resource for many years to come. Robert was proud of his achievements and commitment to the Society as he was passionate to guide the Society positively into the future. Sadly, Robert passed away earlier this year.
Yea Show - Elaine White
Elaine has been involved with the Yea Show Committee for more than 55 years including 28 years of being joint Secretary/Treasurer with her husband Norman. Her other roles have included Ground Steward and still currently organises the Showgirl/Ambassador competitions. Elaine has also been the show representative to the Recreation Reserve for 35 years including 12 years as Secretary. She has been the backbone of the Show Society performing any task you can think of that needs to be done and is a constant reference point for the committee. She has been successful in grants gaining valuable infrastructure upgrades for the showgrounds over many years. Her support and dedication to the Society is immeasurable and the Society wouldn’t be where it is today without her.
