AGRICULTURAL show organisers from across the state descended on the Wimmera last weekend in June for the annual VAS Convention hosted by Kaniva A&P Society, a small show committee with plenty of community spirit and a can-do attitude.
Each year, the convention hosted by a different Victorian show society is a great opportunity to participate in the largest gathering of Victorian agricultural show delegates.
The convention, held from June 28 to 30 in Kaniva, saw several delegates travel up to seven hours to attend, and 47 agricultural shows were represented.
The Kaniva A & P Society took on the massive task of organising an engaging timetable of activities and workshops to engage with show delegates, and there was plenty of positive feedback.
The convention aims to be a great source of knowledge, and the ability to network with other show societies is very valuable.
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On Friday afternoon, there was a workshop for show secretaries, which was especially useful for newcomers. This was followed by welcome drinks at the Kaniva Bowls Club.
Saturday is a packed day with a choice of workshops on marketing and advertising, using online platforms for show day management, insurance updates, and ticketing options.
Various VAS sub-committee meetings also took place in the morning.
The afternoon allows some downtime to explore the local area or join a group tour.
One trip was to visit the nearby carrot farm and one of the largest producers in Australia, Rocky Lamattina & Sons,
The Kaniva family-run business is also a major sponsor of the VAS competitions conducted at the convention and individual shows, the Carrot Cake and Junior Carrot and Date Muffins State Finals.
VAS made a presentation in recognition of Rocky Lamattina & Sons' 10-year contribution, and the company confirmed its continued support of the competition.
Five junior ambassadors representing show societies participated in the state finals, and the winners were announced at the Saturday night dinner.
There was a lot of support in the room for the state winner, Jacob Donnellon, representing the Wimmera group and Donald Show.
Jacob is currently finishing year 12, and once he finishes, he hopes to take a gap year and travel.
He has been involved at the Donald Show from an early age, entering competitions, but he joined the committee in 2023.
He took on sponsorship, which resulted in a record $21,000 raised, which made more free activities possible.
In 2024, Jacob was elected junior vice president and wants to stay involved so the show can thrive.
He also wants to be a role model so younger people can see the value of volunteering.
Jacob was awarded 2024 Donald Young Citizen of the Year this year and is also the school vice-captain.
The Junior Ambassador competition runner-up was Pakenham Show's Tiffany Maestrale for the Central & South Gippsland Group.
The other state finalists who travelled to Kaniva were Claire Noonan - Central & Upper Goulburn Group - Yea Show, Siena Grant - Midlands Group - Beaufort Show and Paige O'Connell - Northern District Group - Cohuna Show.
Junior Carrot and Date Muffins State Final results from the weekend were first - Remy Herry - South Western Group - Warrnambool Show, second - Luke Bowd - Gippsland Group - Omeo Show and third - Arabella Jess - Midlands Group - Beaufort Show.
The Carrot Cake State Final results were first Grace Fitzgerald - Gippsland Group - Omeo Show, second Catherine Rosewall - Northern District Group - Kerang Show and third Tara Wilkinson - North Eastern Group - Benalla Show.
The VAS AGM was held on Sunday morning when the 2023/24 report was handed down.
Chairman Brian Keirl outlined various successful VAS activities and initiatives during the previous 12 months.
He noted the 2024 Rural Ambassador State final will take place on the last weekend of the Melbourne Royal Show, with a luncheon on Sunday.
However, VAS Ltd. expressed its disappointment at a previous council meeting about the clash of dates with nine VAS shows on the first weekend of October, which had not been taken into consideration in planning for the Royal Show.
Mr Keirl reminded attendees of the board's role in providing good governance and support to members.
As part of a subcommittee review, the board decided to continue with the agreement with the existing administration contract for RG Bowles Pty Ltd for a further three years.
The executive officer's report was mainly positive.
"It is pleasing to provide a report for the past year that has been very successful with all shows and field days back fully operational again and generally well attended with good financial return," said Rod Bowles.
He provided a comprehensive overview of the previous year, including the need for a significant budget to run competitions and youth development as a critical focus.
A VAS Ltd life membership was awarded to Greg Macdonald.
Greg has been a VAS Ltd Board Member for eight years and has served as treasurer for six years.
He has been heavily involved in the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Show for more than 60 years, taking on various roles, including vice president, president, secretary, and treasurer.
He has attended and contributed to many group and state meetings.
Although intending to retire at this year's AGM, Greg has accepted an invitation to stay another year.
Another popular local identity to be recognised was Meritorious Award recipient Ian Maddern
Ian was awarded for his dedication to the agricultural show movement.
He is a Life Member of the Kaniva A & P Society Inc. and has contributed to the group and at the state level.
The VAS Ltd board nominations saw the previous year's directors return for 2024/25.
The board members are John Nicolson, Ross Meredith, Greg MacDonald, Lorraine Morris, Brian Keirl, Debbie Geddes, Scott Somerville, and Vivian Beaumont.
