VAS Ltd Show Awards - Outstanding Individual Contribution Finalists

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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. 

Results will be announced at the VAS Ltd Convention Dinner on the 20th June 2026

VAS Ltd Show Awards - Best Marketing Campaign Finalists

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Best Marketing Campaign Small Section Finalists

 

Goroke Show

The campaign involved a total rebrand including a updated logo, sponsorship prospectus, community survey, updated schedule format and engaging social media posts. A minimal cost of the campaign was for updated corflute signs otherwise all material was created through volunteer’s skills or donated materials. The reach on the Facebook page was over 520,000 views in an 8-month period with around 7,000 content interactions. Overall, the feedback was very positive with more engaging content and updated professional looking material was a positive step for future marketing campaigns. 

Best Marketing Campaign Medium Section Finalists

 

Donald Show

The campaign aimed to have highly recognisable brand using bold blue and gold colours with the branding flowing across all marketing efforts such as signage, posters and social media posts. Facebook was the main platform used for majority of the promotional efforts with a steady stream of engaging content in the lead up to the event. To ensure strong local reach Buloke Times was used for advertising, local school newsletters and letterbox drops were all executed so the local people of Donald were aware of the event. Feedback was positive overall based on the marketing efforts across multiple platforms with options to include paid Facebook adverts in the future along with earlier promotional timelines. 

Best Marketing Campaign Large Section Finalists

 

Berwick Show

The campaign was centred around branding and engagement, while targeting residents that not have been familiar with the Berwick Show. A marketing plan and branding guide was created and generously donated by a show sponsor. The traditional logo was updated to be included with the new logo that included the tag line Family Fun For Everyone. The website and social media became a focus of the campaign, which included the clear brand identity along with a colour scheme that was different for every section of the show. The result of the campaign was overwhelming, which increased awareness for the event along with new audiences were established, which overall increased the attendance at the show. 

 

Shepparton Show

The campaign was aimed to modernise the public image for the 2025 Show in preparation for their 150-year milestone in 2026. A new logo was created incorporating multiple representations of the show, which was then rolled out across all marketing. Another goal was to invest in visual representation including mesh banner signage, feather and teardrop banners, which all contributed to way finding within the showgrounds. Television, Radio, Print and Digital Media were used with a range of outlets, which covered many demographics to reach the optimum audience. Overall, the campaign was very positive and achieved good results with attendance higher than the previous year and many positive comments on how good the signage looked around the grounds. 

 

Whittlesea Show

The campaign featured a multi-channel strategy that blended traditional media with digital engagement along with On-The Go Marketing initiatives. Thousands of flyers, coffee cups, postcards and coasters were distributed across the region along with a digital presence through engaging social media posts. A chance to capture attention to commuters, four billboards were engaged along the main highways around the Whittlesea area to reach a large audience about the upcoming event. In partnership with the local real estate agencies, they provided free real estate boards in areas promoting the show as well. Overall, the campaign was deemed successful with multiple adjustments already being made to reach further target audiences. 

Results will be announced at the VAS Ltd Convention Dinner on the 20th June 2026

VAS Ltd Show Awards - Best Innovation Finalists

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Best Innovation Small Section Finalists

 

Cohuna Show – Fair Lemonade

The innovation was created to raise funds for the show society through selling lemonade at the local Cohuna Farmers Market. It was an opportunity to advertise the show at a different event and sell a local product. They created a brand and marketing material and had a team of volunteers over six markets making lemonade. It was a great opportunity for the volunteers to engage in a different task outside the show event while raising money for the show.

 

Numurkah Show – Town Scavenger Hunt

The innovation was designed to boost community engagement through an interactive, family friendly experience in the lead up to the show strengthening connections with local businesses. With just under 160 participants taking part in the scavenger hunt in the September school holidays the participants completed riddles or clues while visiting local businesses to get those clues to complete the scavenger hunt. It was a low cost idea that created engagement around the upcoming show and providing a no cost activity for families to get involved in.

Best Innovation Medium Section Finalists

 

Boort Show – Ute Show

The innovation was made possible by a local group of people aged 17 – 21, with the objective the Ute show would be an opportunity to address the grief and vulnerability  that had recently been felt by the community after the tragic death of one of their own. Partnerships were engaged with HeadSpace and HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies), which were apart of the Ute Show on the day to start the conversation and create a safe space. With over 50 Ute entries the innovation of the Ute Show created a new audience involved in the event with an important purpose and awareness.

 

Dandenong Show – Kids Korner

The innovation was created to use some empty space within the Sheep Pavilion with the aim to create free and engaging activities for kids. There were craft stations, mini-golf, magician and Pigeon Society with hands on experience with the birds and ability to release them. The entertainment created a great atmosphere and engagement with the children. Sponsorship was gained with prize bags for the kids, which contained a drink bottle, cap and stress ball. The feedback from this area was supportive with one parent highlighting she had spent two hours in the area without spending a cent.

 

Donald Show – Shining a Light on the Health & Wellbeing of our Community

The innovation aimed to put health and wellbeing in the spotlight with adding inclusive and engaging entertainment into the show event. It included onsite health services such as health checks and skin checks as well as practical first aid demonstrations and interactive activities like the smoothie bike to promote healthy living. A guest speaker was also engaged sharing powerful mental health message and this was paired with the traditional entertainment such as fireworks. This was made possible by financial and in kind supports but the innovation made a difference through early detections along with multiple people needing further medical investigation due to having these services available.

 

Nathalia Show – Dinosaur Theme

The innovation is a centralised theme that is then used across the show sections, competitions and entertainment, which the theme was Dinosaurs. The committee added new classes with a dinosaur theme such as Lego, floral art, decorated cupcakes, which all sections were embraced by the community. The society engaged entertainment that was dinosaur themed along with some of the sponsors donating metal-built sculptures as dinosaurs. The theme was really embraced by the community, which resulted in the Nathalia Show being nominated for the Event of the Year in the Australia Day Awards, which they received the honour of winning the award.

Best Innovation Large Section Finalists

 

Berwick Show – Discovery Trail

The innovation of the discovery trail aimed to engage young children to enjoy all agricultural and horticultural values of the show by having 10 stations on the trail for them to see and engage with as they made their way around the show. The trail idea got traction and ended up getting great support through local businesses and volunteers that brought the trail to life on show day by keeping the stations manned and engaging with families handing out the bucket to start the trail. The idea provided an overwhelming and positive response that can be built on for years to come so that all aspects of the show are engaged with by young families attending the show.

 

Foster Show – Back to Back Wool Challenge

The innovation of the Back to Back Wool Challenge is a world wide recognised competition aiming to beat the world record time set with a team of people including a shearer with the aim to spin and knit the wool shorn from the sheep on the day to create an adult sized jumper. The show society was asked to consider holding this competition, which they worked towards the idea with two teams competing on the day, which provided a great source of education and entertainment on the day for show goers watching the process. The challenge also stemmed a theme across other sections within the show having a sheep and wool theme, which was well received by exhibitors and create overall good engagement with the challenge.

 

Wangaratta Show – Dinosaur Discovery

The innovation of Dinosaur Discovery was aimed at families to combine entertainment, education and exploration through the hiding of five dinosaur figures throughout the show, which families followed the passport to find these dinosaurs. This then got families engaged with exhibits they may have otherwise never visited if they didn’t have the passport to follow. Once the passport was completed the child would go into the draw for one of the six prizes to giveaway. The discovery seamlessly integrated with the headline act of entertainment engaged and the idea became quite popular with families remarking how focused the children were on the discovery trail.

 

Whittlesea Show – On-The-Go Marketing

The innovation was to try a range of different on-the-go marketing items that would be a constant reminder to people that used the items that the show was on. The items developed were air fresheners for the car, coffee cups delivered to local cafes to hand out filled with coffee and drink coasters to be placed on the table at local venues with a QR code leading to the website, which they can access the most up to date information. The items were a constant touchpoint that kept the show present in everyday life and was very beneficial instead of relying on people to actively engage with either a newspaper or a visit to the website.

Results will be announced at the VAS Ltd Convention Dinner on the 20th June 2026

Would you like to volunteer at an Agricultural Show in Victoria?

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As National Volunteer Week finishes on Sunday have you ever thought about volunteering at an Agricultural Show?

The theme this year is Your Year to Volunteer, which honours the contributions of volunteers and invites people across Australia to make 2026 a year of meaningful involvement, in ways that work for them.

This year is a moment to thank those who already give their time and to invite others to discover how volunteering can create connection, purpose, and lasting positive change.

You can express your interest in volunteering by filling out the Becme a Show Volunteer form on the side bar.

2026 VAS Ltd Convention - Registrations Closing

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This is your last chance to register for the 2026 VAS Ltd Convention. Registrations close TODAY at 11:59pm. Click below to register:

Register Here

2026 VAS Ltd Show Awards Finalists Announced

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In the 2nd year of the VAS Ltd Show Awards we are excited to announce our 2026 Finalists for the Best Innovation, Best Markting Campaign & Outstanding Individual Contribution. The judging process is complete and all nominations were advised if they were made a finalist or not. We will introduce all our finalists over the coming weeks and we encourage you to read through the innovations, campaigns developed and contributions as it is truly outstanding the calibre of finalists.

Congratulations to all our finalists!

National Volunteer Week

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This week is an opportunity to recognise and thank the volunteers that make Agricultural Shows what they are by volunteering their time to put on a successful event every year. The commitment isn't just show time it is the full 12 months of the year preparing and organising the annual event. So make sure you remember to recognise and thank the people that are devoted to your Show Society! A thank you can go a long way!

To the many volunteers thank you for your time and commitment into the success of the Agricultual Shows Movement. It is timely that tomorrow night at 7pm the Show Award Finalists will be announced, which is an intiative that recognises the efforts and contributions of societies and individuals. Check back in to see who are our finalists this year!

2026 VAS Ltd Convention - Registrations will now close on the 21st May 2026

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It is great to see so many delegates have registered already and for those that have left it to the last minute we have extended closing of registrations until Thursday 21st May 2026 11:59pm.

This will be your last chance to register for the upcoming Convention to be held on the 19th, 20th & 21st June 2026 in Wangaratta hosted by the North Eastern Group.

Here is the link with all the convention information: https://www.vicagshows.com.au/convention

Registrations will now close on the 21st May 2026 11:59pm! No further registrations will be accepted after this date.

2026 VAS Ltd Convention - Registrations NOW Open!

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The 2026 VAS Ltd Convention will be held on the 19th, 20th & 21st June 2026 in Wangaratta hosted by the North Eastern Group. It is an annual event that celebrates Agricultural Shows including the presentation of the VAS Ltd Show Awards, Junior Show Ambassador State Final, Carrot Cake State Final & Junior Carrot & Sultana Muffins State Final.

It is also a great opportunity to network with other show delegates and the weekend aims to provide knowledge and information that is relevant to Agricultural Shows.

This is your opportunity to attend the Convention and represent your Show Society! Registrations close on the 18th May 2026 and more information can be found including the full timetable by clicking below.

Click here for TImetable & registration link