Thursday, February 13, 2025

State Ag Show Convention success at Kaniva

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This weekend Kaniva welcomed delegates from 47 shows across the state. This year’s convention was deemed a success by all. Participants travelled from right across Victoria; from Seymour to Mildura, Dandenong and Cohuna.

The Kaniva A&P Society was announced as the host of the annual State Victorian Agricultural Shows Convention at Geelong last year. After 12 months of hard work the committee led by President Jim Alexander and Secretary Kaye Bothe held a fantastic weekend of learning for all.

80 delegates were welcomed to the Kaniva Bowls Club on Friday for an Asian Fusion feast by Kristy Wilson and, a networking event. Mayor Tim Meyer officially opened the weekend. Saturday kicked off at the Kaniva Community Hub with show representatives attending meetings surrounding OH&S, Livestock, Homecrafts and Marketing. Later in the day they had the opportunity to learn how to improve their local shows and receive key advice from Gallagher Insurance, Show Day Online, Showman’s Guild and Hobbs Digital and Marketing. Delegates also had the opportunity to explore the Kaniva area with afternoon tours to the Lamattina’s Carrot Farm, who sponsor the state carrot cake competition. Alongside visiting the Serviceton Railway and the historic Overland Museum. The afternoon also consisted of workshops on Growing Your Show at the Church of Christ or Show Day Online at link. It was fantastic to have many community volunteers and locations across the town utilised over the weekend.

The evening event played host to 131 attendees with a three course, sit down meal catered by the local Football Ladies Committee. Winners of the state carrot cake and muffin competitions were announced, alongside the judging of the Junior Rural Ambassadors. Donald A&P Societies Jacob Donnellon was announced as the overall winner. Kaniva A&P Societies Ian Maddern was awarded a meritorious award, for his long service and his contribution to his local show, Wimmera group and state level. Kim Hawker was the evenings guest speaker and spoke on community connectedness and the importance of agricultural shows to our small towns.

Sunday concluded with the annual general meeting followed by a morning tea by Emma Bayly. Many attendees commented on the high standard of workshops and food, stating they “loved the country hospitality”.

It was inspiring to see the whole community come together and support the Kaniva A&P Society to host a successful weekend. The event was made possible through a variety of sponsors including Gallagher Insurance, Victorian Showman’s Guild, Rocky Lamattina, San Remo, Wimmera Roadways, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Blue Lake Milling, WesternAG, West Wimmera Shire Council, Cargill, Oasis Olives and Australia Post.

President Jim Alexander said, “thank you to Kaye Bothe, our show society and entire Kaniva community for supporting us to run such a successful convention. It was great to see everyone come together; it was a real boost to the whole community and our local economy”.

See all the photos in the issue
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 3 July 2024.

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