The 2025 Donald Show opened in fine style on Friday night, drawing an eager crowd for music, food, and the official start to one of Victoria’s favourite country gatherings.

Outside, the showgrounds buzzed early as families wandered between food stalls and rides. The band at the main gate, “Roadhouse” — Leo Tellefson, Steve Parry, Peter McGennisken and Sammy James — set the tone with country and rock favourites. WrestleMania proved a hit with young and old, its athletic timing keeping the kids in hysterics. And all the while the smell of chips and wood-fired pizza filled the air.

By 7 p.m., attention turned to the Blue Room for the official opening. Many took a moment first to admire the impressive photography section before Show president Nicole Nunn welcomed the crowd.

“It’s so good to see locals, visitors, families, kids with fairy floss in hand — all here to celebrate everything that makes our town and community special,” she said.

Nicole proudly noted that the Donald Show is now ranked the third most popular show in Victoria, thanking the “small but mighty” committee, her “rockstars,” whose dedication brings the event to life each year.

“What you see around you tonight,” she continued, “every attraction, every event, every tiny detail — started around a table with this passionate group of people who give their time, energy, and creativity purely because they love this community.”

The Junior Show Ambassador Award followed, presented to Kaillie Krause, whose behind-the-scenes efforts were described as “the quiet driving force behind so many of the things that make our show shine”.

Life membership

Next came a very special presentation for Peter Russell, who received Life Membership of the Donald and District Pastoral and Agricultural Society after more than 50 years of service.

Show representative, Carey Brennan recalled Peter’s decades of quiet commitment, his efforts ranging from marking out the arena and cleaning pavilions to helping run the grand parade and even manning the Friday night gate.

“Pete’s never been in it for accolades,” she said. “He just gets things done. Without people like him, the Donald Show wouldn’t happen.”

Speaker

Guest speaker Kristy Kellie then took the microphone and held the Blue Room in quiet attention. A former Donald local and past Junior Ambassador herself, Kristy shared her journey as a paramedic and as an advocate for mental health, following the loss of her husband, John, to mental illness.

“It’s okay not to be okay,” she told the hushed room. “If someone’s brave enough to reach out, just listen — and don’t stop checking in.”

Her courage and honesty drew emotional thanks from the room.

Competitions

From there, the mood lifted again as MC Lisa Woods introduced the much-anticipated Iron Man and Iron Woman competitions. Competitors Cameron Pearce, Kalon Green and Sam Beavis tackled the ironing boards to a running stream of puns from Lisa. Technical troubles and accusations of sabotage only added to the fun. Judges Margie Hollis, Kate Clark and Jodie Hollis awarded Kalon the win “by a steam puff”.

The women’s round — Jo Beavis, Stacey Morris and Kellie Petrie — was fiercely contested, with Kellie crowned champion. A final iron-off between Kellie and Kalon ended in a draw.

Fireworks

Back outside, the evening closed with a substantial fireworks display that lit up the showgrounds.

From the kids gathered around the puppet show to friends catching up over food, Friday night at the Donald Show had it all — ensuring it remains one of the most-loved events on Donald’s calendar.

Day two

The second day of festivities proved to be just as enjoyable as the first, with Saturday having fair, albeit a little windy, weather.

With the sounds of cheer and excitement being heard blocks away from the show itself, one could not help but be enthralled by the magic that is a community festival. The music once again filled the food court, however those on stage were now Darryn Wardle and Jeff Woodward.

The pavilion with all of its incredible community donated items was in many ways the perfect showcasing of the Donald Show but on a smaller scale. With a variety of entries from the poultry side, which was amusingly close to the food stalls, to incredible Lego builds and everything in between. A big congratulations to all the winners, and to everyone who contributed.

Sheep shearing was also a big hit, with a large and persistent crowd the whole show-day with the final presentations only happening after the parade had gone. With regular cheers and aforementioned crowd always present, the energy around was electric.

Winners: Open shear, Brandon Bone; Senior shear, Ben Lloyd; Intermediate shear, Keenan Rox; Novice shear, Sophie Rox; Novice shear, Sophie Parish; Ladies shear, Maxi Armisead; Open wool, Kirsty Bone; Novice wool, Karleisha Anderson.

Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all who helped bring this event together.

From the competitors to the judges, community involvement in these events means everything, and what a community the sheep shearers have!

Tractor pull

The tractor pull also attracted quite the crowd as well, with a variety of beautiful old machines showcasing the ingenuity of those who built them as well as those who have either maintained or added a little extra.

For those looking to learn a little more about the fabulous reptiles that live in this beautiful country around us, Fair Dinkum Fauna gave an educational and entertaining workshop with a beautiful Darwin Carpet Python affectionately named “Big Bertha”. This 2.6 metre python was certainly the focal point of the show, happily hanging off one of the staff members, Neve Lawson, while Michael Lloyd spoke to the audience all about these wonderful creatures.

Just like the first day, there were a million-and-one different activities for kids, including some that had also been on the first night.

Puppets

The puppet show made a return, delighting children with amusing voices and energetic puppets. As well as a myriad of stalls, from face painting to even a little sand pit to play in.

Inside the building itself was also a incredible amount of games and crafts. With kids of all ages enjoying the cartoon portraits and assortment of toys.

For the older kids there was also a game room, just across from the Blue Room there were a bunch of electronics set up for all to enjoy. Watching someone play a game in virtual reality is almost as entertaining as playing it yourself!

Grand parade

Around 4 o’clock the sirens began to ring out from the emergency vehicles; not for an emergency but rather as a celebration, the parade had begun! Many of the old vehicles that had shown of their stuff in the tractor pull, as well as what seemed like every emergency vehicle the entire shire and beyond have available, starting driving the field. As they went by one could see beautifully restored cars, old tractors, every kind of emergency vehicle, and gargantuan farm equipment. The only thing louder than the cheers from the crowd was the sirens!

The variety in the parade was a great ending example to the show and community at large. Smaller country events like this are only possible with the help of so many people. Not just the volunteers, or the committee who organise it all, but just as importantly the people who come to the show.

A big thank you goes to all who participated in the show, be it however big or small, for this memorable showcase of community spirit over this incredible Donald Show weekend.

When Eric met Big Bertha

Among the many features proving popular on the lawns at Donald’s two-day show, particularly with children, were Professor Wallace’s Puppets (in the background of this photograph), and “Fair Dinkum Fauna Wildlife and Education Displays”.

Presenting the Fauna “Family” exhibit, Michael Lloyd and Neve Lawson were pictured introducing six-year-old Eric Fritsch to the very friendly Darwin carpet python, Big Bertha, who measures an impressive 2.6 metres in length.

Michael and Neve are both from the Horsham area, Eric Fritsch is the son of Sami and Matthew, of Donald, and grandson of Maureen and James, also of Donald.

See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 14 October 2025.