Show spirit shines through

By Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG’S agricultural spirit shone brightly last weekend at the annual Dandenong Show.
A broad spectrum of personalities from across Victoria converged upon Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, to inject a rural element into city life.
Moe resident Col Sellings and his border collies Hayley, Joseph and Duke enthralled audiences when the working dogs herded three Indian runner ducks, named Huey, Dewey and Louey, into a nearby pen.
Mr Sellings said the demonstration was a fun way to show people how sheep dogs worked.
Community groups were well represented, with a variety of stalls and exhibits set up.
Springvale SES members worked to recruit new members to the volunteer emergency service.
SES volunteers Donna Lobartolo, Vikki Wells, Eileen Cook and David Shiel said a volunteer’s lifestyle could be demanding, but they were well looked after on tough jobs with groups such as the Red Cross providing hot meals and drinks.
The Dandenong Valley Historical Car Club was back at the show for its 31st year, having called the showgrounds home since the club’s inception in 1974.
Club member and owner of a 1928 Austin Seven Peter Booth said the club welcomed all owners of classic cars but focused its competitions on models predating 1942.
Mr Booth said he had affectionately named his Austin Seven ‘Tootle’.
Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society secretary Lynne Ferris said about 20,000 people attended Greaves Reserve for the 134th year of the show.
“The committee was very pleased,” she said.
“Everyone was well behaved in the main, there were lots of happy, smiling faces and we couldn’t ask for more.”
Ms Ferris said the gate takings were an improvement on those from last year.