Spring and spice and all things nice for popular show

Noorat & District Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc

On South West Victoria’s volcanic plain lies a small village at the foot of Mount Noorat and with spring in the air there is a noticeable buzz about the place as locals pull up their sleeves in readiness for their agricultural show on 18 November.

While Noorat is a small dot on the map, the show has been a popular day out in the district since 1932, continuing to attract thousands of people through the gate and bucking the trend of declining attendance numbers at country shows around the nation.

Noorat Show President Monica Heffernan said the huge turnout in 2022 despite the wet and windy weather forecast was testament to this and the hard work of volunteers who year-on-year worked behind the scenes to offer a lively traditional show.

“It’s only one day of the year, but it’s a day we all look forward to and more importantly it’s an event that brings people together, with some travelling from interstate just to be in Noorat on show day,” Mrs Heffernan said.

“While the committee adds something new to the program every year, at the end of the day our show has a great reputation for being a good old-fashioned day out for families made possible by a great group of local people and sponsors.”

Mrs Heffernan said the committee was this year really excited to welcome home cook Dezi Madafferi whose team won Channel 7’s Plate of Origin competition and co-hosts the 10 Minute Kitchen.

“With interest in local produce and artisan products gaining popularity, we’re thrilled to welcome Dezi to Noorat on show day to not only taste what she does with our fabulous local produce, but also take home some tips and ideas on how to add a touch of the Mediterranean to our family meals,” she said.

“We’re also looking forward to sharing more of this year’s program including the woodchop, band Good Faces 4 Radio, crowd favourites the dog high-jump and working dog trials, and children’s band The Mik Maks.”

Mrs Heffernan said she was pleased there had also been strong interest in trade sites and competitions from long-time supporters and new businesses that were yet to find out what the show was all about.

To find out more about the Noorat Show or to purchase a ticket, go to nooratshow.org.au or visit the show’s social media pages.